Abortion Provider in Austin, TX

The Texas “Woman’s Right to Know Act” requires a physician to give specific information to a woman seeking an abortion, at least 24 hours before the abortion. By reading this transcript before your appointment, you will be better prepared to ask questions when you talk to the physician.

The estimated embryonic/fetal age can be determined by counting the number of days from the first day of your last normal menstrual period, subtracting 14 days from the total, and dividing by 7. This number is the estimated embryonic/fetal age in weeks.
At your appointment you will have an ultrasound examination to confirm the dating of your pregnancy.
In general, abortion procedures are divided into 2 main groups: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Medical abortion is FDA-approved for embryonic ages of 5 weeks or less (7 weeks from the last menstrual period). Surgical abortion can be performed anytime during pregnancy within certain legal requirements.
The risks of carrying a pregnancy to term are far greater than having an abortion. The overall death rate associated with pregnancy and childbirth is at least 10 times greater than with abortion. Medical risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth include, but are not limited to, hemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, stroke, diabetes, pulmonary embolus, hypertension, hysterectomy, depression, kidney failure, premature delivery, pelvic relaxation and urinary incontinence. In other words, pregnancy is a serious medical condition.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists classifies abortion as a low-risk procedure. As with any medical procedure, there is a potential for complications associated with an abortion. Even though it is unlikely that you will have any complications, it is important to know that the possibility exists and what complications could arise. The possible risks include infection, bleeding, failure to remove all of the pregnancy tissue, or injury to the uterus/cervix. Please understand that complications are rare overall and that only serious complications have the possibility of impacting future fertility or future pregnancies.
Those opposed to abortion have attempted to link abortion with an increased risk of breast cancer. Numerous leading health organizations, including the American Cancer Society, have found through various studies that abortion does not increase the risk of breast cancer. Please ask us about the natural protective effect of a completed pregnancy in mitigating the risk of breast cancer.
The State of Texas also requires me, the physician, to inform you that:
·medical assistance benefits may be available for prenatal care, childbirth, and neonatal care
·the sexual partner is liable for assistance in the support of the child without regard to whether the sexual partner has offered to pay for the abortion
·public and private agencies provide pregnancy prevention counseling and medical referrals for obtaining pregnancy prevention medications or devices, including emergency contraception for victims of rape or incest
·you, the patient, have the right to review if you choose printed materials created by the Texas Dept.of State Health Services which describe the various stages of pregnancy and which list the agencies that offer alternatives to abortion. These materials are accessible online at  www.dshs.state.tx.us/wrtk <http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wrtk>

At your appointment you will need to sign a form certifying that you received this information and were informed of your opportunity to review the materials prepared by TDSHS.

TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER
1-888-973-0022

You have the right to access certain information concerning this abortion facility by using the toll-free number listed above. If you make a call to the number, your identity will remain anonymous. The toll-free telephone line can provide you with the following information:
1.Whether this abortion facility is licensed by TDSHS;
2.The date of the last inspection of this facility by TDSHS and any violations of law or rules discovered during that inspection that may pose a health risk to you;
3.Any relevant fine, penalty, or judgment rendered against this facility or a doctor who provides services at this facility.

You may call TDSHS at (888)973-0022 if this facility does not provide you with information on how to obtain “A Woman’s Right to Know” materials.

TDSHS is the responsible agency for facility complaint investigations. Complaints must be registered in writing and the complainant must provide his/her name. All complaints will be kept confidential. Complaints may be registered with:

Director, Health Facility Compliance Division
Texas Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49^th Street
Austin, TX 78756