Abortion Information McAllen, Texas
McAllen Pregnancy Center offers free pregnancy services and abortion information in McAllen, Texas. If you’re considering taking abortion pills, at-home methods or getting an in-clinic abortion, we provide information on what to do before an abortion in Texas. Because abortion is restricted in our state, we recommend you KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. All services are free and confidential. We realize this is time sensitive, contact or text (956) 631-4585, or request an appointment online.
ABORTION PROCEDURES
MEDICAL ABORTION
Medication abortion also called the abortion pill, can be taken up to 70 days (10 weeks pregnant). The abortion pill is taken in two doses, one typically at a doctor’s office and the other at home.1
The FDA specifically warns people not to buy the abortion pill, or the generic version on the Internet because it bypasses safeguards.2,3
SURGICAL ABORTION
There are several types of surgical abortions. Suction aspiration, also called suction curettage, or vacuum aspiration abortion, is performed during the first 6 to 14 weeks gestational stage. Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is another type of procedure typically done in later weeks. Both types have risks and side-effects and greatly vary depending on your gestation and health.4
WHAT TO DO BEFORE ABORTION IN MCALLEN, TEXAS
1. LEARN MORE ABOUT TEXAS ABORTION LAWS
If you live in Texas you’re probably unsure what to do with the new abortion restrictions. We can answer any questions you have. Call (956) 631-4585 for more information.
2. GET A FREE ULTRASOUND
If your pregnancy test is positive, our center provides limited obstetric ultrasounds free of charge and we never ask for your insurance. An ultrasound will help you learn more about your pregnancy and your options. *restrictions may apply
An ultrasound is often recommended before an abortion for several reasons:
Do an ultrasound exam to date pregnancy
Knowing your menstrual cycle dates can help, but having an ultrasound is the most certain way to get exact dates for your pregnancy.5
Find out if your pregnancy is viable
Among pregnancies that are identified, about 15% end naturally in miscarriage.6 Natural miscarriages are frequently completed without the need for medical intervention. Find out for sure before going through a costly procedure. Get an ultrasound exam.
Can you take the Abortion Pill?
Medical abortion isn’t an option if you:7
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place.
- Have a concern that the pregnancy is outside of the uterus. This is called ectopic pregnancy and can be life-threatening. Learn about the risk factors and signs of an ectopic pregnancy.8
- Are further along in your pregnancy than ten weeks. The FDA has only approved the abortion pill for up to 10 weeks from the LMP. Taking the abortion pill later in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of complications, such as an incomplete abortion or severe bleeding.9
- Have certain medical problems including: bleeding disorders, severe liver or kidney disease, known cardiac disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
- Take certain medications including blood thinners or steroids.
- Are allergic to the medicines used.
The gestational age of the pregnancy determines the types of abortion procedures typically used. If you can’t have a medical abortion, or don’t prefer that method, a surgical procedure may be an option. Request an appointment to find out how far along in pregnancy you are through a free ultrasound.
REFERENCES
Abortion Information
1. MEDICAL ABORTION
Information taken from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2016). “Mifeprex Medication Guide.” U.S. Department of Health. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
2.
3. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
4. SURGICAL ABORTIONS
- Paul, M., Lichtenberg, E. S., Borgatta, L., Grimes, D. A., Stubblefield, P. G., & Creinin, M. D. (2009). First Trimester Aspiration Abortion. In Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp. 135-156).
- Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. (2014). In-Clinic Abortion Procedures : Planned Parenthood. Retrieved July 19, 2014.
- American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. (2013). Practice Bulletin: Second-Trimester Abortion (135).
- Pasquini, L., et al. Intracardiac injection of potassium chloride as method for feticide: Experience from a single U.K. tertiary centre. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 2008;115(4):528–31.
5. Mayo Clinic. (2020, November 6). Fetal ultrasound. Mayo Clinic – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/fetal-ultrasound/about/pac-20394149
6. Ghosh J;Papadopoulou A;Devall AJ;Jeffery HC;Beeson LE;Do V;Price MJ;Tobias A;Tunçalp Ö;Lavelanet A;Gülmezoglu AM;Coomarasamy A;Gallos ID; (2021, June 1). Methods for managing miscarriage: A network meta-analysis. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34061352/
7. Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). Medical abortion: Before Using. Mayo Clinic – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
- Physician’s Desk Reference. (2022). Korlym (mifepristone) Contraindications dose, indications, adverse effects, interactions… from PDR.net. https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Korlym-mifepristone-2928#11
- Physician’s Desk Reference Guide. (2022). Cytotec (misoprostol) dose, indications, adverse effects, interactions… from PDR.net.
8. Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). Ectopic pregnancy – Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088
9. Mentula MJ, Niinimäki M, Suhonen S, Hemminki E, Gissler M, Heikinheimo O. Immediate adverse events after second trimester medical termination of pregnancy: results of a nationwide registry study. Hum Reprod. 2011 Apr;26(4):927-32. doi: 10.1093/humrep/der016. Epub 2011 Feb 11. PMID: 21317416.