TDSHS Required Abortion Information

If you are seeking an abortion, we are required to provide you:

• With a written statement indicating the number of the toll-free telephone line (888-973-0022) which is maintained by TDSHS to provide specific information relating to licensed abortion facilities in Texas.
• With a written statement identifying TDSHS as the responsible agency for facility complaint investigations. The statement shall inform persons to register complaints with the Director, Health Facility Licensing and Compliance Division, Texas Department of State Health Services, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756. Complaints must be registered with the department in writing. A complainant must provide his/her name. All complaints shall be confidential.
• With information of her option to view the Department's "A Woman's Right to Know" booklet and resource directory on the world wide web and provide her with the internet address for obtaining the information.
• With a copy of the department's "A Woman's Right to Know" booklet created for women seeking an abortion, if the woman chooses to view it.
• With a copy of the department's "A Woman's Right to Know" resource directory, if the woman chooses to view it.
• With a written statement that she may call the department at (888) 973-0022 if the facility does not provide her with the state-mandated information.

We will ensure that you have been offered all information required for voluntary and informed consent, as mandated by state law at least 24 hours prior to the abortion procedure.

Texas Laws Pertaining to Anyone Having an Abortion

Texas law requires that a woman be offered the opportunity to read information prepared by the Department of State Health Services about abortion, her options, and fetal development at least 24 hours in advance of the appointment. This is different from the required information a patient must listen to 24 hours prior to an appointment. Click on the link to Texas Department of State Health Services. This sends you to the "Women's Right to Know Act" information currently available on the Texas Department of State Health Services website. To return to the Planned Parenthood web site, simply close the new browser window.

The state also requires abortion facilities to provide patients with a written statement containing a toll-free telephone number that a person may call to obtain information about that facility.

Parental Consent for Abortion in Texas

Effective September 1, 2005

If a pregnant minor (17 years of age or younger) decides to have an abortion, state law requires that the doctor obtain the written consent of a parent, managing conservator, or legal guardian. You may download the parental consent form in Adobe Reader (.pdf) format here. You must complete this form and present it with a valid form of identification at the time of the appointment. By signing and submitting this form, you are affirming under penalty of perjury that you are the parent, managing conservator, or legal guardian of the patient. If you cannot be present on the day of the procedure, call the clinic for further instructions.

In extreme situations, telling a parent of a decision to have an abortion can cause abuse, homelessness, or abandonment. If a minor is unable or unwilling to obtain consent from a parent, managing conservator, or legal guardian, the minor may request a judicial bypass, or special permission, from a court. Please call Jane's Due Process at 1-866-www-jane for information about judicial bypass or go to Jane's Due Process.
We are sending you to the Jane's Due Process web site for this information. To return to the Planned Parenthood web site, simply close the new browser window.

NO MATTER WHAT YOU CHOOSE TO DO ABOUT A PREGNANCY, PLANNED PARENTHOOD CAN PROVIDE A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT TO:

• Talk about all options and types of financial support
• Talk about ways to tell your parents about the pregnancy

Volunteer clergy from several denominations are available to help with this.

Download forms for your visit