By Eleanor Grano, Program Manager at Jane’s Due Process and Paige Alexandria, a volunteer Advocate at Jane’s Due Process
In the state of Texas, it is required to have an ultrasound 24 hours before your appointment by the same doctor who will perform your procedure. For most people, this means it takes a minimum of two visits to have an abortion. However, those living 100 miles or more from their nearest clinic are able to have the 24 hour waiting period waived, allowing the doctor to provide some of the state-required information to you over the phone and only having one visit in person for the ultrasound and abortion. So, if you live 100 miles or more from your nearest clinic, make sure to ask the clinic to waive your mandatory waiting period.
Brace yourself for anti-abortion protestors
Once you arrive at the abortion clinic, you will encounter anti-abortion protestors. These are people that are outside of the clinics property line holding hurtful signs, which are intended to shame people out of seeking an abortion. They may attempt to talk to you to prevent you from going into the building. For tips on encountering protesters, you can read one clinic’s suggestions here. Wearing sunglasses, listening to music through headphones, and not making eye contact with protestors are a few things you can do!
Your ultrasound appointment can last between 2-4 hours
Be prepared to spend a lot of time in the waiting area. Here are some suggestions to make your time more comfortable!:
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to both of your appointments.
- Bring books, blankets and pillows, headphones and music, electronic devices and their chargers and anything else you think you will need to occupy your time while you wait.
- Grounding exercises to help you feel calm during your time waiting can be found here.
Before you get your state-mandated ultrasound you will be required to:
- Sign consent forms for care and review state required materials.
- Meet with clinic staff to review your medical history. This involves honestly answering questions about your social and medical history, including any medical allergies, medications you are taking, your sexual history and a required screening for child abuse.
- Be given an information booklet designed by the state of Texas, called A Woman’s Right To Know, which discusses alternatives to abortion, fetal development, and some medically inaccurate information which is not supported by numerous national health organizations.
- Take a urine pregnancy test
- Pay for any ultrasound related costs
During the ultrasound:
For those individuals less than 12 weeks into their pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound is performed. Clinics are aware that this type of ultrasound can be uncomfortable for some people, especially for those who have survived sexual assault, so let the nurse and doctor know if you need them to stop, or if you just need some extra time to feel comfortable. For those with pregnancies over 12 weeks, an abdominal ultrasound can be used.
The doctor will:
- Rule out an ectopic pregnancy, which would need a different type of care.
- Determine how many weeks into the pregnancy you are, and which abortion is an option for you.
Texas law requires that the doctor:
- Tell you how many weeks the pregnancy is measuring.
- Offer you the option of viewing the ultrasound image or listening to the fetal heart tone. You have the right to decline both of these things.
- Describe the possible complications and risks of abortion.
Once the ultrasound is completed, you’ll discuss with your doctor:
- Which type of abortion is an option for you, and which type you’d prefer.
- If the clinic offers medication to reduce anxiety or pain management. This medication can cost extra depending on the clinic, but it can be very helpful for those who experience anxiety or who are sensitive to pain.
- Any additional concerns or questions you may have about your abortion!
Learn about the differences between a medical and surgical abortion. Once you’ve made your decision about what type of abortion you are wanting, the schedule will give you a date/time for your second appointment.
Payment will be required in full on the day of your abortion appointment. If you need support with covering the cost, it can be helpful to reach out to your local abortion fund.
