Understanding Abortion Options in Texas

Texas has some of the strictest abortion restrictions in the country, including a total ban, private enforcement mechanisms (SB 8 and HB 7), and active enforcement by the Attorney General. This guide provides factual information about the current situation.

Current Texas Law

• Total ban from fertilization (HB 1280)
• SB 8: Private citizens can sue anyone who "aids or abets" an abortion ($10,000+)
• HB 7 (2025): Private citizens can sue abortion pill providers for $100,000+
• No exceptions for rape or incest
• Only exception: life-threatening medical emergency
• The pregnant person is NOT criminally liable under Texas law

What Texas Residents Should Know

Despite the ban, people in Texas are still accessing care through telemedicine from shield law states, travel to other states (New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois), and community support organizations.

Shield Laws

22 states and D.C. have shield laws protecting providers who prescribe across state lines. New York successfully dismissed a Texas lawsuit against a provider in 2025.

Medication Abortion Facts

FDA-approved since 2000. Two medications (mifepristone + misoprostol). 95-98% effective. Medically identical to miscarriage.

Protecting Your Privacy

• Use private/incognito browsing
• Consider a VPN
• Use encrypted messaging (Signal)
• Turn off location services
• Be cautious about who you tell

Resources

• If/When/How Repro Legal Helpline: 844-868-2812
• Fund Texas Choice: Travel funding
• TEA Fund: Financial assistance
• Lilith Fund: Central and South Texas
• Plan C (plancpills.org): Access information
• AbortionFinder.org: Provider directory

This is educational information, not legal advice. For legal questions: If/When/How 844-868-2812.

Last updated: March 2026 | Southern Woven Medical Team