Study Uncovers Troubling News About Women’s Health in Texas

Study Uncovers Troubling News About Women’s Health in Texas

According to a recent study conducted by the researchers at the Texas Policy Evaluation Project (TxPEP), over 100,000 women in Texas have attempted to self-induce an abortion at some point in their lives.

The researchers surveyed 779 women between the ages of 18 and 49, and found that 1.7 percent had tried to terminate their own pregnancy without seeking medical assistance.

Another 4.7 percent reported that they knew someone who had attempted to self-induce an abortion. The researchers extrapolated based on this data to conclude that of the 6 million women between the ages of 18 and 49 living in Texas, between 100,000 and 240,000 have attempted to self-induce abortion.

The most common reasons cited by women surveyed in the study were a lack of access to clinical care, fear of the social stigma associated with abortion, and a lack of money to pay for the procedure. This is a harsh reminder that these issues are often most detrimental to economically disadvantaged women.

The TxPEP found that women typically attempted one of two methods to terminate pregnancies.

Some would acquire medication from nearby Mexico, while others would try ineffective folk remedies that call for the ingestion of certain herbs and vitamins.

Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, weighed in on the study’s findings in a recent statement. “We are getting a sense of the very real impact these restrictions have on women, and it’s deeply disturbing. Most people thought we were well past the days of women taking matters into their own hands, but laws that make it impossible to get safe and legal abortion are taking us backwards,” said Richards.

We’re fortunate enough to live in a state where the legislation governing women’s health is not nearly as restrictive. Remember: you are not alone. Please feel free to call us any time to speak confidentially with one of the caring, qualified healthcare professionals at South Avenue Women’s Services.

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