Understanding Texas’ New Abortion Law and What It Means for You Texas Governor Rick Perry recently signed into law a bill that places tough restrictions on abortions and abortion clinics throughout the state. The controversial bill was met with fierce opposition and equally avid support. Though the debates in the Texas State Senate received a lot of media attention, many women across Texas are still unclear on how the new law will affect them. There are three main pieces to the new law. First, the law bans any abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Second, all clinics where abortions are performed must meet new higher standards, on par with the standards that surgical facilities and hospitals must meet. Lastly, all physicians who perform abortions must also operate out of a clinic located within 30 miles of a hospital that will admit their patients, should a patient need more medical attention. For women living in large urban areas of Texas, including Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, the new law may not have as large of an impact. So long as a young woman facing an unplanned pregnancy decides to terminate the pregnancy within the first 20 weeks, there are facilities open in each of these major cities that meet the new standards. For young women living in more rural parts of the state, they will have to make a much longer trip. Because of the stricter regulations, 42 Texas abortion clinics may have to close their doors. Opponents of the law are planning to plead their case before the courts, calling it unconstitutional. Supporters believe it will make abortions safer, as they will have to be performed in facilities with higher standards. Regardless of where one stands on the issue one fact is undeniable: young women and teens facing unplanned pregnancies have fewer options now. Fortunately, there is one option that has not been affected, the option of placing a baby for adoption. Texas has one of the highest rates of teen pregnancy in the US. Becoming unexpectedly pregnant is very scary for these young women. Teenagers lack the emotional, mental and financial readiness that one needs to raise a child, especially when they are not receiving support elsewhere. Considering placing the baby for adoption could be a wonderful alternative for pregnant teens and young women. Birth mothers do not have to take on responsibilities for which they are not yet ready, eager couples are able to expand their family by adopting a son or daughter, and the child gets to grow up in a loving, nurturing environment. Young women who may not have thought of adoption as a viable option before should also know that many adoption agencies provide birth mothers with many supportive services. Some adoption agencies offer free housing, prenatal care, educational resources, vocational training and professional counseling to help these women through a difficult time. Adoption experts know that placing a baby
for adoption is not an easy decision to make, and they are there to support and offer guidance to women in need. It is important for young women in Texas to know that regardless of new laws on abortion, adoption is always a loving option for pregnant young women. Placing a child for adoption is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Are you contemplating this loving option? Do you have any idea about how or where to start? Action Adoption at Providence Place in San Antonio, Texas can help. We will guide you through the process while making sure all your questions are answered. Contact us today to learn more.