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Abortion Laws in Texas

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 20:25:44 GMT

Abortion Laws in Texas

Understanding Abortion Laws in Texas

Navigating reproductive health care can feel overwhelming, especially as laws and regulations vary widely from state to state. In Texas, a range of abortion-related policies are currently in effect. Whether you're seeking information for yourself or someone you care about, understanding the current legal landscape can support informed and confident decision-making. Laredo Pregnancy Center in Laredo, Texas, provides information on abortion and free ultrasound services to confirm a viable pregnancy for individuals considering abortion.

Current Abortion Laws in Texas

Abortion is currently completely banned in Texas, with very limited exceptions, such as when the life of the pregnant individual is at risk. The following regulations are currently in effect:

Mailing abortion pills is banned under Texas law.

Although abortion is not legal in Texas, there are still important steps you can take before traveling out of state. One of the most critical is scheduling a free and confidential ultrasound at our center. An ultrasound can confirm whether you have a viable pregnancy and determine how far along you are - key information that impacts what type of abortion procedure you may be eligible for in another state.

Miscarriage Care Is Not Affected

It’s important to clarify that Texas’s abortion laws do not restrict access to miscarriage care . A miscarriage (spontaneous pregnancy loss) is not the same as an abortion , and medical care for miscarriage remains fully legal and available throughout the state.

Unfortunately, misinformation has led some to believe that emergency care for miscarriage is no longer accessible in states with abortion bans. This is not true and can be harmful. Miscarriages can present serious health risks, and hospitals in Texas are both legally permitted and equipped to provide appropriate medical care. If you or someone you know is experiencing a miscarriage, do not hesitate to seek emergency medical attention.

Parental Consent and Provider Guidelines

Minors seeking an abortion in Texas must have parental consent and parental notice . However, if you are under 18 and unsure of your next steps, know that you can still receive free and confidential support from our center. We provide services such as pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to confirm a viable pregnancy, and parental consent is not required for these services. We are here to help you learn more about your options and support you without judgment.

Empowered Consent

Understanding your rights and responsibilities under state law is a crucial part of empowered consent. Whether someone chooses to carry a pregnancy to term, explore adoption, or seek an abortion, access to clear, accurate information is essential.

Our center offers free and confidential services before abortion . These services are available to minors, and parental consent is not required . If you're considering your options, we are here to support you with facts, not pressure.

If you're not located near our center, we can also refer you to a free pregnancy clinic near you that can assist you as you navigate your next steps.

Schedule a Free Appointment

If you think you may be pregnant and want to understand your options, Laredo Pregnancy Center is here to help.

Our compassionate team is here to support you with facts, not pressure—so you can make an informed decision that’s right for you.

Schedule your free appointment today and explore your options in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Your Body

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 15:44:33 GMT

Any time a person has sexual contact with a partner, there is a chance of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Condoms and other barrier methods may help reduce the risk of contracting an STI, but these methods are only risk reduction, not risk elimination. Many STIs show no signs or symptoms. Therefore, it is important to be tested regularly. How regularly you should be tested depends on your sexual behaviors and other risk factors.

Could I Have an STI?

If a person is sexually active, they are at risk for a sexually transmitted infection. If you have had sex but have no signs or symptoms, you could still have an STI and you can still transmit it to your partner(s). Some STIs are curable if they are caught early and have no long-term effects. But if left untreated, many STIs can cause damage which can be permanent. This is one reason why testing and early detection is important.

How Do I Prevent an STI?

If you are engaging in any type of sexual activity, you are at risk for a sexually transmitted disease. Condoms and other barrier methods are risk reduction, not risk elimination. Abstinence is the only way to ensure you don’t contract an STI. This means not engaging in vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

What If I Tested Positive for an STI?

Some STIs are curable with medications or other treatment methods. Talk to a medical professional and begin a treatment plan. Do not engage in any type of sexual activity until cleared by your doctor to make sure you do not pass an STI to your partner(s). There is help, hope, and healing available after an STI. Call us today to talk with a peer consultant confidentially, without shame or judgment.

Who Should Be Tested for a Sexually Transmitted Infection?

Anyone, regardless of age, who has engaged in any type of sexual activity with a partner(s) should be tested.

Is It Possible My Partner Lied to Me About Having an STI?

People are not always open about their STI status or sexual history. Getting to know your partner before engaging in sexual activity does not guarantee they have shared all of their sexual health history with you. You are at risk any time you engage in sexual activity with an infected partner(s).

My Partner Told Me They Have an STI. Should I Be Tested?

If you have engaged in any type of sexual activity with someone who is infected with an STI, you should stop all sexual contact and seek testing immediately.

What should I do next?

It is estimated that about 20 percent of the United States population – approximately one in five people in the U.S. – has an STI. We are here to offer help and hope. At our center, we can offer you or refer you for STI testing in your area and give you guidance and support no matter your test result. Getting tested for STIs is easy and harmless. Contact us today for confidential help and support.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, April 11). Infections continue to forge ahead, compromising the nation’s health

https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2021/default.htm#print

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, February 18). Sexually transmitted infections prevalence, incidence, and cost estimates in the united states.

https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/prevalence-incidence-cost-2020.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Recommendations and Reports, 70(4), 1-190.

https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/STI-Guidelines-2021.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, December 14). Which STD tests should I get?.

https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 3). Sexually transmitted infections.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9138-sexually-transmitted-diseases--infections-stds--stis

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Sexually transmitted infections.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/sexually-transmitted-infections-treatment

Mayo Clinic. (2023, April 14). Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351246

Mayo Clinic. (2022, May 5). Sexually transmitted disease (STD) symptoms.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-symptoms/art-20047081

Mayo Clinic. (2023, April 14). STD testing: What’s right for you?.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-testing/art-20046019

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:35:45 GMT

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Have you been experiencing bodily changes and think you may be pregnant? This can be a confusing time, especially since many pregnancy symptoms can have other causes. Our free women's centers provide information on early pregnancy symptoms in Laredo, Texas and offer free pregnancy testing to help you find the answers you need.

Early pregnancy signs vary from woman to woman. While the best way to confirm is to take a pregnancy test, paying attention to early symptoms is also important. Here are 12 early signs of pregnancy to consider.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF PREGNANCY

The American Pregnancy Association (APA) conducted a survey on the first signs of pregnancy. Of the women polled, 29% reported a missed period and 25% reported nausea as the first symptoms of pregnancy. We’ll consider these two first and then focus on 10 additional indicators.

Missed Period . A missed period is often the very first sign a woman has that she may be pregnant. Many women begin seeking answers because they know they’re late for their next period. If you’ve had a missed period of about one week , you might consider this a possible indicator of pregnancy. However, this symptom in itself may not be accurate if you’ve had irregular menstrual cycles.
Nausea/Vomiting . Nausea is quite common in the first trimester and may or may not be accompanied by vomiting. This is known as morning sickness, though it can be experienced later in the day as well. The severity can differ from person to person. It isn’t totally clear what the cause is for morning sickness, but it may be due to hormonal changes.
Tender/Swollen Breasts . In the APA survey cited above, about 17% of women surveyed reported this as the first sign of pregnancy. However, this can occur between four and six weeks into pregnancy . You may experience tingling, aching, and swelling/enlargement of the breast tissue. You may also notice the darkening of the areas surrounding the nipples. Once your body adjusts to your new hormonal changes, these feelings should subside.
Light Spotting/Bleeding/Vaginal Discharge . This is known as implantation bleeding and occurs after the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall. Implantation bleeding could be mistaken for a menstrual period, but there are some distinct differences . Some of the key differences include a smaller amount, shorter time, lighter color, and absence of clotting.
Cramping and pain . The cramps women experience when pregnant may seem similar to those during PMS. But just as we mentioned above with implantation bleeding, implantation cramps are different . These cramps would be present even after you’ve missed your period. Other pregnancy signs and symptoms include leg cramping and soreness in the lower back.
Headaches are so common that this one can’t be relied upon alone. In this case, you may also be experiencing lightheadedness or dizziness. These symptoms would be due to hormonal changes in your body. You should consider them in conjunction with other pregnancy symptoms you’re experiencing.
Sensitivity to Smell . Though there may be little scientific consensus on this one, it remains a commonly reported symptom . Sensitivity to smell is something that many women report particularly in the early stages of pregnancy. It may also be one of the causes of nausea during this time.
Change of Appetite . Does the Caesar salad you normally love seem a little off-putting? Or does your craving for potato chips and spicy salsa seem out of character? Change of appetite is common as an early sign of pregnancy. Often, the foods you normally desire won’t sound good to you at all. This may also be due to hormonal changes and along with changes in your senses.
Frequent Urination . Having to hop up and run to the bathroom in the middle of the night? Unless you’re hydrating like crazy, that could also be one of the pregnancy signs and symptoms to watch for. Also due to hormonal changes, it’s possible to experience this even before missing your period .
Constipation and Bloating . Speaking of hydration, that’s not a bad idea considering this symptom can be very uncomfortable! If you’ve had fewer than three bowel movements in a given week, you may be dealing with pregnancy constipation. Hormonal changes can be the culprit behind bloating and constipation .
Mood Swings/Fatigue . Mood swings and fatigue are also attributable to hormonal changes. This is because your body is producing a hormone called progesterone. This hormone supports the pregnancy and is responsible for milk production in the breasts as well. As soon as one week after conception , you could experience fatigue due to your body working harder to pump additional blood to support this new life.
Heartburn, or indigestion . may affect more women in the second and third trimesters. However, it’s generally considered to stem from your increase in progesterone levels, so don’t rule it out. Especially if it’s not something you normally experience.

AM I PREGNANT? FIND OUT FOR SURE.

If you’ve experienced any of these pregnancy signs and symptoms and want further information, contact us . We provide free and confidential information about early pregnancy symptoms in Laredo, Texas. You shouldn’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to help.

Conception Calculator

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 20:06:05 GMT

When Did I Conceive

Are you pregnant but unsure when you conceived? An ultrasound is the most accurate way to determine how far along your pregnancy is. Ultrasound exams provide images and measurements of your developing baby, which can help estimate how many weeks pregnant you are and your approximate conception date. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering your options in Laredo, Texas, contact us for a free consultation and ultrasound services to confirm and date your pregnancy.

How to Know When You Conceived

In general, there are a few ways to determine your conception date. No method is 100% accurate, but some are more reliable than others.

Ovulation

The first way to find out your conception date is to determine when you were last ovulating. In general, women can only conceive when they are ovulating — that is, when their ovaries release a new egg into their fallopian tubes for fertilization. That means you can use your ovulation dates to try to determine when you became pregnant.

Ovulation usually occurs about two weeks after your menstrual period and lasts for two or three days. This means you can sometimes determine when you conceived based on your ovulation cycles — simply determine when your last menstrual period was and add approximately two weeks.

However, this method isn’t always accurate. Not all women have the same cycles of menstruation and ovulation, some women’s menstrual cycles are irregular, others have ovulation periods closer to or further from their menstrual period and some women simply aren’t sure when their last period was. In other words, calculating conception based only on your body cycles can be difficult.

Intercourse

Another way to learn your conception date is to try to determine the last time you had sexual intercourse. Unfortunately, this method isn’t totally accurate either. Conception is a process that takes time and a man’s sperm can actually stay alive inside your body for up to a week after sex.

This can make it difficult to determine when you conceived, especially if you have had more than one partner during the time when you ovulated. Also, remember that you could become pregnant even if you or your partner used birth control, since no method of birth control is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Ultrasound

The best way to determine your conception date is with a pregnancy confirmation ultrasound. Early pregnancy ultrasounds can determine the age of your growing baby and when you likely conceived. The earlier in pregnancy that this ultrasound is performed, the more accurate the measurements will be, and the more likely you are able to determine the conception date. We provide free limited obstetric ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy. This method of determining your conception date can be more accurate than date-based calculation, especially for women with irregular periods or who don’t know their last menstrual period date.

Am I Pregnant Online Quiz

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 20:02:14 GMT

Think You Might Be Pregnant? Take Our Quick Online Questionnaire

If you think you might be pregnant or you’re unsure whether your symptoms are pregnancy-related, this quick online questionnaire can help you determine if you’re experiencing the early signs of pregnancy.

When Was Your Last Period?

One of the most reliable signs of pregnancy is a missed period. However, some women may experience cramping and spotting in early pregnancy, which can be mistaken for a period. Others may have irregular menstrual cycles that are difficult to track. In these cases, it’s a good idea to schedule a pregnancy test or medical consultation.

Are You Experiencing Early Pregnancy Symptoms?

Nausea and/or vomiting
Sore or tender breasts
Cramping or light spotting
Fatigue and tiredness
Food cravings or aversions
Frequent urination

Have You Already Taken a Pregnancy Test?

If you’ve already taken a pregnancy test, you might be wondering whether the result was accurate. There are two types of inaccurate tests: false negatives and false positives.

False Negatives: These occur when the test says you’re not pregnant, but you actually are. The most common reason for a false negative is taking the test too early. Pregnancy tests are more accurate when you wait longer for pregnancy hormones to build up in your body. To get a definite result, it’s best to wait until after your missed period to take the test.
False Positives: These are extremely rare and occur when the test says you are pregnant, but you’re not. False positives usually happen due to specific medications or underlying health issues. In almost every case, a positive pregnancy test indicates that you are pregnant.

To learn more and confirm your pregnancy, schedule a free and confidential appointment at Laredo Life Pregnancy Center .