Progress Texas is a rapid response media organization promoting progressive messages and actions. While campaigns come and go, we’re the permanent home for progressive media and action in our state. We specialize in message development, online campaigns, creative content, and media amplification for the progressive movement.
Roevolution is our latest online campaign focused on mobilizing Texans to vote for pro-abortion candidates in every election at every level. Roe v. Wade has been overturned and it’s up to us to fight back. We are the majority—and together we have the strength to form a massive resistance. Sign our pledge to join the Roevolution and vote for pro-abortion candidates.
The following information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical or legal advice.
CONTENTS
- Explainer: What the law says about abortion in Texas
- Abortion Infrastructure in Texas: Abortion Funds and Advocacy Organizations
- Legal Resources
- Educational Resources
- Abortion on the Ballot Series
- What's Happening in the Courts?
- Maternal Mortality Rates Increased Post-Roe
Explainer: What Texas law says about abortion
House Bill 1280: Texas Trigger Law
Texas is one of more than a dozen states that have passed trigger laws that would further restrict abortion following a U.S. Supreme Court judgment overruling Roe v. Wade. Texas’ trigger law becomes effective 30 days after the overturning of Roe. It would make abortion completely illegal, the only exception being if a pregnancy would kill or severely injure the pregnant woman. HB 1280 would make it a second-degree felony for a person who performs, induces, or attempts an abortion, with the penalty increasing to a first-degree infraction if the abortion is successful. The law also adds a fine of at least $100,000 for each offense. Similar to SB 8, the pregnant person themselves is exempt from criminal charges.
House Bill 3508
On a positive note, Texas lawmakers passed HB 3508, effective Sept. 1, 2023, which established legal defense to healthcare providers who treat the common pregnancy complications of ectopic pregnancies and previable premature rupture of membranes. This law requires doctors and pharmacists to demonstrate they exercised reasonable medical judgement in providing medical treatment. This defense would extend to the Texas Medical Board and criminal prosecution, further protecting healthcare providers.
Additional Restrictions
Parental Consent
Texas requires permission from a parent or legal guardian for anyone under the age of 18 to obtain an abortion. If a minor cannot get the permission of a parent or legal guardian they can seek a judicial bypass to waive the requirement for parental consent. Call or text Jane's Due Process (866-999-5263) for help with the judicial bypass process.
Health Insurance Laws
Texas law forbids private insurers from covering abortion as part of an overall health insurance plan, unless the abortion is needed to save a pregnant person from death or serious physical injury. Military insurance and Medicaid also only cover abortion in cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening conditions.
Abortion Travel Bans
Anti-abortion activists, backed by 20 Texas lawmakers, organized around ordinances that would impose private lawsuits and penalties on interstate travel for anyone who knowingly transports Texans seeking abortions. They have mobilized in conservative regions along the border, and highway concentrations of Texas, primarily Lubbock, Odessa, and Northeast Texas. These cities were targeted with fear-mongering tactics about this legislation which is unenforceable and infringes on constitutional rights to interstate travel and privacy.
Abortion on the Ballot Series
Progress Texas launched the “Abortion on the Ballot in Texas” podcast series in January 2024, to educate Texans on how Republicans have consistently restricted our reproductive freedoms. Additionally, the series informs those who can become pregnant, and their family and friends, on the work that must be done to restore their rights in every election as well as during Texas Legislative sessions. Because reproductive rights are on the ballot every year with countless lives at risk, we have a moral obligation to turn Texans’ anger into action in our collective fight against our state’s extremist, near-total ban on medically-safe procedures. We've been honored to host progressive activists, elected officials, and organizers to our ongoing series positioned at the forefront of regaining our abortion rights in the Lone Star State.
Our staff recorded LIVE at the Texas Democratic Convention in El Paso, with Executive Director Kathleen Thompson moderating a panel featuring reproductive rights advocate Amanda Zurawski, Democratic nominee for U.S. House TX-15, Michelle Vallejo, and Senior Advisor for Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, Wendy Davis. Additional prominent progressives include State Sen. Molly Cook, State Rep. Julie Johnson, State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, Austin City Council Member Paige Ellis, Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin, San Antonio City Council Member Dr. Sukh Kaur, Austin City Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, Democratic nominee for U.S. House TX-8, Laura Jones, and Democratic candidate for Texas House District 112, Averie Bishop. We invite you to explore the archived episodes below.
- Happy Hour 142: Abortion Is On The Ballot! With The Texas Democratic Party
- Happy Hour 154 - Abortion On The Ballot In Texas, Part 1
- Happy Hour 156: Abortion On The Ballot, Part 2
- Happy Hour 157: Abortion On The Ballot, Part 3 - LIVE From The Texas Democratic Convention
- Happy Hour 163: Abortion On The Ballot, Part 4
- Happy Hour 166 - Abortion On The Ballot, Part 5
What’s Happening in the Courts?
Zurawski v. Texas
Amanda Zurawski and 20 brave plaintiffs filed suit in March 2023, against the State of Texas with the intention to “clarify the scope of the ‘medical emergency’ exceptions” under Texas’ near-total abortion ban, after the Dobbs’ decision overturned Roe v. Wade. This group of women who were or had been pregnant, including several healthcare providers, fought a year-long case hoping to return medical decisions back to patients and doctors, instead of politicians, lawyers, and religious-interest groups. After being denied their own abortion care in cases of medical necessity, which resulted in life-threatening complications as well as risks to their own future fertility, the Texas Supreme Court overruled a lower court ruling on the matter resulting in the refusal to clarify medical exemptions. This real life story is embodied in the 2024 released Zurawski v. Texas, a documentary following those women who sought to challenge the state, protect their fertility, reduce stigma, and create conversations that will help change hearts and minds.
Cox v. Texas
According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, “Although [Kate] Cox had received a fatal fetal diagnosis and [her] continuing the pregnancy would pose risks to her health and future fertility, the Texas Supreme Court ruled in December 2023 that it would not allow her to get an abortion in the state.” Similar to the Zurawski case, the Texas Supreme Court reversed a lower court ruling. Yet, this ruling surprised many as urgency played a major factor. Kate Cox was in need of emergency care and her ability to become pregnant again (protecting her fertility) and life was in jeopardy in real time. Because of the court’s lack of compassion and dignity, she was forced to leave Texas to seek medical attention. However, in a later joyous surprise to all, Kate Cox announced during the Texas roll call at the 2024 Democratic National Convention that “because [she] found a way to access abortion care, [she is] pregnant again.” To this day, those with less means, who may have barriers to travel or lack close support, remain threatened.
Maternal Mortality Rates Increased Post-Roe
New data shows a correlation between restricting access to abortions and the recent exponential rise in the maternal morbidity rates in Texas. From 2019 to 2022, Texas saw a 56% increase in deaths compared to a national average of 11% in the same time period. Since Roe’s overturn, Texas’ criminalization of abortion, and our state’s mandate of a near-total ban on the safe procedure (even in cases of rape and incest), has led the dramatic rise in this preventable, tragic swing, disproportionately killing pregnant women of color.
Based on data released by the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, Texas is more deadly to live in for pregnant mothers than elsewhere due to a lack of accessible and quality maternal healthcare. Their findings show lethal, inequitable outcomes, however this state committee’s recommendations lack the central fix – legalizing and supporting whole womens’ health. The maternal death rate increase was highest among non-Hispanic Black women, women with a high school education or equivalent, and women ages 40 years and older.
Exponential Growth for Rape Related Pregnancies Post-Roe
During the live recording of our “Abortion on the Ballot“ series at the Texas Democratic Convention, former State Senator and Senior Advisor to Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, Wendy Davis, emphasized the imperative to talk about abortion and the real, life-threatening impacts of living in a state with limited access to reproductive, medical care. She shared updated statistics that reflected this reality, referencing a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
“I want to make sure and say in this room, so you will share these statistics with everyone you talk to because surprisingly, even in Texas where we have this horrific ban in place,” said Davis. “Almost 40% of people that were surveyed recently did not know that Texas does not have an exception for rape and incest. And let's be clear about that. That means an 11-year- old girl who becomes impregnated by an abuser has no options in our state. In Texas, in the 16 months after Senate Bill 8 passed our trigger our our six week ban, in the 16 months after that happened, there were 26,313 recorded rape resulting births in the state of Texas.”
We will not forget those who were mandated to have forced births. The elected officials who have played politics with these innocent people’s safety and dignity will be held accountable.
Abortion Infrastructure in Texas
Abortion Funds
For a national clinic directory visit ineedana.com or abortionfinder.org.
Lilith Fund | lilithfund.org
Instagram and Twitter @lilithfund
The oldest abortion fund in Texas, Lilith Fund serves the central and southern regions of Texas with direct financial assistance for abortion care. Their English language hotline is open between the hours of 7 AM and 10 AM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
English (1-877-659-4304) | Español: (1-877-355-1461)
Texas Equal Access Fund | teafund.org
Instagram @teafund | Twitter @TEAFund
TEA Fund provides funding to low-income people living in north, east, and west Texas who want an abortion and cannot afford it. Grants are an average of $300 paid directly to the clinic after the procedure. Call their helpline (1-888-854-4852) and leave a message on Mondays or Thursdays between the hours of 7 AM and 10 AM, a volunteer will return you call within 24 hours.
West Fund | westfund.org
Instagram and Twitter @westfundtx
Provides funding for abortion services in El Paso and West Texas. Call or text their English/Spanish helpline (915-213-4634) for help and they will return your message in 24-48 hours.
La Frontera Fund | fronterafundrgv.org
Instagram @fronterafundrgv | Twitter @LaFronteraFund
Frontera Fund provides financial and practical support for individuals in the Rio Grande Valley seeking abortion care. Typically funds anywhere between $100 - $600. Contact them at 956-887-0706.
Buckle Bunnies | bucklebunnies.org
Instagram @bucklebunniesfundtx | Twitter @BBFundTX
BB Fund provides financial assistance for abortion services across Texas. To request help fill out a short google form found on their website.
Fund Texas Choice | fundtexaschoice.org
Instagram @fundtexaschoice | Twitter @FundTexasChoice
Provides in-state and out-of-state travel assistance to Texas residents seeking an abortion. Fund Texas Choice will help with both accomodation (hotels) and transportation needs. Leave a message at 1-844-900-8908 and expect to receive a call back within 1-2 business days.
The Bridge Collective | thebridgecollective.org
Instagram @thebridgecollective | Twitter @TheBridgeATX
Helps people within 100 miles of Austin get to and from their abortion appointments. The Bridge Collective also provides kits with emergency contraception and pregnancy tests. Fill out intake and request forms on their website.
S.Y.S. (Support Your Sistah) | https://www.theafiyacenter.org
The Afiya Centers practical support fund, S.Y.S provides funding for abortion doulas, childcare assistance, lodging, meals, transportation, and financial assistance for procedure. Call the S.Y.S hotline (469-978-7710) Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 AM to 12 PM.
Clinic Access Support Network (CASN) | www.clinicaccess.org
Instagram and Twitter @casnhtx
CASN provides transportation, meal stipends, accommodations, and childcare assistance to people seeking abortion services in Houston. Call or text 281-947-2276 to receive assistance.
National Abortion Federation | https://prochoice.org/patients/naf-hotline/
Instagram @nationalabortionfederation | Twitter @NatAbortionFed
The NAF Hotline Fund operates the largest multi-lingual hotline for abortion referrals and financial assistance in the U.S. and Canada. NAF provides callers with accurate information, confidential consultation, referrals to providers of quality abortion care, case management services and limited financial assistance.
NAF Hotline (1-800-772-9100) | NAF Referral Line (1-877-257-0012)
National Network of Abortion Funds | abortionfunds.org
Instagram and Twitter @abortionfunds
Connects you with abortion funding sources nearest to you.
Advocacy Organizations
ACLU of Texas | aclutx.org
Instagram @aclutx | Twitter @ACLUTx
Provides legal assistance in cases where civil liberties may be at risk, including filing on behalf of abortion providers and funds in Whole Woman’s Health V. Jackson.
The Afiya Center | theafiyacenter.org
Instagram @theafiyacenter | Twitter @TheAfiyaCenter
The only reproductive justice organization in North Texas founded and directed by Black womxn. The Afiya Center works to transform the lives, health, and overall wellbeing of Black womxn and girls by providing refuge, education, and resources.
Avow | avowtexas.org
Instagram and Twitter @avowtexas
Avow is an unapologetic abortion adovcacy organization that works to secure unrestricted abortion access for every Texan. They provide trainings for people new to the abortion rights movement.
Deeds Not Words | deedsnotwords.com
Instagram @deedsnotwords | Twitter @DeedsActionFund
Fosters young leaders in Texas through opportunities in organizing, policy-making, art, and voting. They have trained over 500 young women to provide testimony and lobby against bad legislation at the Capitol.
National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice | latinainstitute.org
Instagram @latinainstitute | Twitter @LatinaInstitute
The Latina Institute builds Latina/x power through community building, policy advocacy, and storytelling to fight for equal access to reproductive health for Latina/x communities.
Planned Parenthood Texas Votes | pptexasvotes.org
Instagram @pptxvotes | Twitter @PPTXVotes
PPTV is the nonpartisan policy, advocacy and political arm of the three Planned Parenthood affiliates in Texas that engages in electoral activity, legislative advocacy, grassroots organizing, and leadership development.
Texas Freedom Network | tfn.org
Instagram @txfreedomnetwork | Twitter @TFN
A grassroots organization of more than 150,000 religious and community leaders who support religious freedom, individual liberties and public education.
Whole Woman's Health Alliance | wholewomanshealthalliance.org
Instagram @wwhalliance | Twitter @WWHAlliance
The advocacy arm of Whole Woman’s Health clinics. They work to eradicate abortion stigma through mural projects, the abortion stigma relief fund, and more.
Legal Resources
Jane’s Due Process | janesdueprocess.org
Instagram @janesdueprocess | Twitter @JanesDueProcess
Provides free legal support and 1-on-1 case management for pregnant Texas teens obtaining judicial bypass. And a text line for young people needing information on birth control and family planning services without parental involvement.
24/7 Hotline (1-866-999-5263)
Repro Legal Defense Fund | reprolegaldefensefund.org
Instagram @reprolegaldefensefund | Twitter @reprolegalfund
Covers bail and funds strong defenses for people who are investigated, arrested, or prosecuted for self-managed abortion.
If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice | ifwhenhow.org
Instagram and Twitter @ifwhenhow
Provides information and resources on legal rights including the defense fund above, a repro legal helpline and more.
Educational Resources
What is self-managed abortion (SMA)?
Self-managed abortion using pills, also known as medication abortion, is a safe method of terminating a pregnancy up to 11 weeks using two pills—mifepristone and misoprostol. Essentially, abortion pills induce a miscarriage. In fact, there is no way a doctor would know that medication was taken unless it was disclosed.
Abortion pills have been FDA-approved for over 20 years and are very safe. Viagra and Tylenol are two common medications that most people don’t struggle to access. Yet, abortion pills are proven to be safer than both. Furthermore, SMA using these pills is effective and common. Studies have shown medication abortion to be 98% effective at terminating a pregnancy, and medication abortions account for more than half of all U.S. abortions.
There are two medication abortion methods:
Method One: Mifepristone and Misoprostol (1 Mife, 4 Miso)
You take a mifepristone pill first, followed by misoprostol pills 24 to 48 hours later. This is the most common and effective method of abortion with pills. This is the type of abortion with pills provided by clinics like Planned Parenthood.
Method Two: Misoprostol Only (12 Miso)
This is less effective (about 85% effective) than when mifepristone and misoprostol are both taken. Endorsed by the World Health Organization in places where mifepristone is not easily available. It is still very safe, and widely used around the world.
Around the world, people are self-managing their abortions at home or somewhere they feel safe—with the control in their hands and surrounded by people they love. Self-managed abortion allows people to end a pregnancy on their own terms, and they should be able to do so without fear of being criminalized.
Visit plancpills.org or abortiononourownterms.org for more information on accessing abortion pills.
What are other types of abortion?
Types of in-clinic abortion procedures, often called surgical abortions:
Suction Abortion
Also called vacuum aspiration, it is the most common type of in-clinic abortion. It uses gentle suction to empty your uterus. It’s usually used until about 14-16 weeks after your last period.
Dilation & Evacuation (D & E)
A D & E abortion uses suction and medical tools to empty your uterus. You can get a D&E farther along in a pregnancy than suction abortionaspiration abortion, usually if it has been 16 weeks or longer since your last period.
In-clinic abortion procedures are extremely effective. They work 99 out of every 100 times.
Polling on abortion
- 78% of Texas voters think abortion should be allowed in some form.
- A majority of Texas voters (54%) oppose a measure that automatically bans all abortion, with 42% strongly opposing the measure.
- Another poll shows that 70% of Americans oppose overturning Roe v. Wade.
Anti-abortion extremists do not represent the majority of Texans or Americans. Texans who support abortion access are the majority. We cannot sit by while radical, far-right politicians take away our freedoms and take control of our bodies. Join Progress Texas and pledge to vote for pro-abortion candidates who represent the majority of Texans.
Sign our pledge here.
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