Gynopedia needs your support! Please consider contributing content, translating a page, or making a donation today. With your support, we can sustain and expand the website. Gynopedia has no corporate sponsors or advertisers. Your support is crucial and deeply appreciated.

Houston: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search

Houston (view source)

Revision as of 21:17, 25 June 2022

3,464 bytes added ,  1 year ago
added infobox
(added infobox)
 
(10 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 5: Line 5:
}}
}}


[[File:Houston night.jpg|400px | thumb|right|]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:200px; border:1px solid black;float:right"
|-
| colspan="8" style="text-align:center" |[[File:Houston night.jpg|300px | thumb|right]]
|-
|'''Contraception: Over-the-Counter'''
|condoms
|-
|'''Contraception: Prescription/Clinic Required'''
|pills, patch, ring, IUD, implant, shot
|-
|'''Emergency Contraception'''
|no prescription required; available in pharmacies
|-
|'''STIs'''
|no travel restrictions; HIV-positive foreigners not deported
|-
|'''Menstrual Products'''
|pads, tampons, cups
|-
|'''Abortion Law'''
|illegal (see section for options)
|-
|'''LGBTQ Laws'''
| homosexuality legal; gender change legal
|-
|'''Related Pages'''
|[[Dallas]], [[United States of America]]
|-
|}
 


'''OVERVIEW'''  
'''OVERVIEW'''  


As a major American city, Houston has an incredible range of medical facilities and providers. Due to federal regulations, contraception is legal, though a prescription is required. Emergency contraception is also legal and no prescription is required; it can be purchased at pharmacies, drug stores and many clinics. However, there have been reported cases of pharmacists refusing to sell emergency contraception due to personal religious or moral beliefs. In general, Texas as a state is largely conservative with a strong religious Christian base. This heavily impacts the political and social climate of the state, and in particular abortion law. While abortion is legal in Texas, as it was ruled to be a legal right in Roe v. Wade (1973), abortion has been consistently challenged in Texas. There have been many laws passed since 2013 that have limited the ability of abortion clinics to operate as well as the ability of women to obtain abortions. Some of these provisions, most notably HB 2, have been challenged and struck down by the United States Supreme Court. But many other restrictions remain in place, creating frustrating circumstances for women. Overall, Houston is a huge city and Texas is a huge state. This means that, while there are certainly restrictions that impose great difficulty, there are also a wealth of resources that can be sought after.
As a major American city, Houston has an incredible range of medical facilities and providers. While there are certainly restrictions that impose great difficulty, there are also a wealth of resources that can be sought after. Due to federal regulations, contraception is legal, though a prescription is required. Emergency contraception is also legal and no prescription is required; it can be purchased at pharmacies, drug stores and many clinics. However, there have been reported cases of pharmacists refusing to sell emergency contraception due to personal religious or moral beliefs. In general, Texas as a state is largely conservative with a strong religious Christian base. This heavily impacts the political and social climate of the state, and in particular abortion law.
 
Abortion in Texas became illegal in June 2022. That year, the United States Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, a ruling that formerly protected federal abortion rights.<ref name=":0">https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/3535742-read-the-supreme-court-ruling-overturning-roe-v-wade/</ref> This means that states can determine their own abortion laws. In the state of Texas, a "trigger law" was in place, which meant that abortion would be declared illegal if Roe v. Wade was overturned. Immediately after Roe v. Wade was overturned, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton declared that abortion was illegal in the state.<ref name=":1">https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/roe-v-wade-abortion-scotus-supreme-court-ruling-texas-trigger-law-explainer/287-75949629-4a17-4b50-9cea-0810cc5bef69</ref> This total ban was followed after other restrictive measures. For example, in August 2021, a law went into effect in Texas that banned abortion after six weeks of pregnancy.<ref>https://www.businessinsider.com/texas-6-week-abortion-ban-has-officially-become-law-2021-8</ref>


==Contraception==
==Contraception==
Line 16: Line 47:


===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===
[[File:Lutera usa.jpg|200px | thumb|left|frame|'''Birth control sold in the USA''']]
[[File:Condoms usa.jpg|200px | thumb|left|frame|'''Condoms''']]


In Texas, contraception is generally legal but restrictions apply. You need a prescription to obtain birth control. Furthermore, if you are under 18 years old, you typically need permission from your parents. In fact, Texas is one of only two US states that does not allow state funds to be used for contraceptive use without parental consent.<ref>[http://www.contracept.org/articles/contraception/texas-birth-control-laws-for-teens Texas Birth Control Laws for Teens]</ref>
In Texas, contraception is generally legal but restrictions apply. You need a prescription to obtain birth control. Furthermore, if you are under 18 years old, you typically need permission from your parents. In fact, Texas is one of only two US states that does not allow state funds to be used for contraceptive use without parental consent.<ref>[http://www.contracept.org/articles/contraception/texas-birth-control-laws-for-teens Texas Birth Control Laws for Teens]</ref>
Line 102: Line 136:


===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
* If you think you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), you'll need to visit a doctor, who will give you a check-up and test to see if you have a UTI. If you do have a UTI, you will be prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection. You cannot get UTI antibiotic medication without a prescription.
* If you have a yeast infection, you can get treatment over-the-counter (no prescription needed). The most common yeast infection treatment in the United States is called "Monistat." There are different treatment plans (for example, 1 day, 3 days and 7 days). It's recommended to do more than 1 day to completely clear the infection.
* You should be able to access the HPV vaccine in the United States.
* You can find PrEP in Houston. Check out this [http://www.aidshelp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1120 link] for local information.
* You should be able to access PEP in Houston as well. Contact a local health center or hospital for details.


===Costs===
===Costs===
Line 143: Line 183:
[[File:Texaswomenprotest.jpg|450px | thumb|left|frame|'''Texas women protest SB 5/HB 2'''.]]
[[File:Texaswomenprotest.jpg|450px | thumb|left|frame|'''Texas women protest SB 5/HB 2'''.]]


Since 1973, abortion has been legal in the United States under the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision. Yet in Texas, abortion has been consistently challenged, where additional restrictions have been placed on clinics, health care providers and women seeking abortions.  
Abortion in Texas became illegal in June 2022. That year, the United States Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, a ruling that formerly protected federal abortion rights.<ref name=":0" /> This means that states can determine their own abortion laws. In the state of Texas, a "trigger law" was in place, which meant that abortion would be declared illegal if Roe v. Wade was overturned. Immediately after Roe v. Wade was overturned, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton declared that abortion was illegal in the state.<ref name=":1" /> This total ban was followed after other restrictive measures. For example, in August 2021, a law went into effect in Texas that banned abortion after six weeks of pregnancy.<ref name=":0">https://www.businessinsider.com/texas-6-week-abortion-ban-has-officially-become-law-2021-8</ref> 
 
In August 2021, a law went into effect in Texas that banned abortion after six weeks of pregnancy.<ref name=":02">https://www.businessinsider.com/texas-6-week-abortion-ban-has-officially-become-law-2021-8</ref> However, this was soon followed by a temporary restraining order on Texas Right to Life to enforce the ban.<ref>https://sports.yahoo.com/news/texas-judge-sides-abortion-providers-010058708.html</ref> In total, this means that Texas has very restrictive abortion laws, but enforcement of these laws is still being determined.
 
Historically, before the overturning of the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision, abortion was federally legal in the United States. Yet in Texas, abortion was consistently challenged, where additional restrictions have been placed on clinics, health care providers and women seeking abortions.  


One of the most controversial laws came in 2013, when Texas Governor Rick Perry signed House Bill 2 (known as "HB 2"), an anti-abortion bill. According to this law, "Abortion doctors must have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the abortion clinic."<ref>[http://fundtexaschoice.org/what-is-hb2/ What is HB2?]</ref> Furthermore, abortion clinics must align by standards meant for ambulatory surgical centers, which have strict regulations on buildings, equipment and staff. Because nearly all abortion doctors have no admitting privileges to such hospitals in Texas, and because the hospitals have no incentives to provide such access, this forced many clinics to close down. Furthermore, because most abortion clinics don't have the funding or resources to abide by ambulatory standards, this also forced abortion clinics to close down. In the years following HB 2, Texas went from having 40 abortion clinics to only 19.<ref>[https://www.texastribune.org/2016/06/28/texas-abortion-clinics-have-closed-hb2-passed-2013/ Texas Abortion Clinics That Have Closed Since 2013]</ref> This lead to a situation in which many Texas women did not have access to abortion clinics in their areas, and they were forced to travel very long distances, oftentimes out of state, to obtain abortions.  
One of the most controversial laws came in 2013, when Texas Governor Rick Perry signed House Bill 2 (known as "HB 2"), an anti-abortion bill. According to this law, "Abortion doctors must have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the abortion clinic."<ref>[http://fundtexaschoice.org/what-is-hb2/ What is HB2?]</ref> Furthermore, abortion clinics must align by standards meant for ambulatory surgical centers, which have strict regulations on buildings, equipment and staff. Because nearly all abortion doctors have no admitting privileges to such hospitals in Texas, and because the hospitals have no incentives to provide such access, this forced many clinics to close down. Furthermore, because most abortion clinics don't have the funding or resources to abide by ambulatory standards, this also forced abortion clinics to close down. In the years following HB 2, Texas went from having 40 abortion clinics to only 19.<ref>[https://www.texastribune.org/2016/06/28/texas-abortion-clinics-have-closed-hb2-passed-2013/ Texas Abortion Clinics That Have Closed Since 2013]</ref> This lead to a situation in which many Texas women did not have access to abortion clinics in their areas, and they were forced to travel very long distances, oftentimes out of state, to obtain abortions.  
Line 158: Line 202:


===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
 
Abortion has been declared illegal in Texas. If you want to seek out abortion services, here are some options:
* [http://houstonwomensclinic.com/houston-abortion-services/ Houston Women's Abortion Clinic]: They provide surgical abortions and MAYBE medical abortions (we'll need to confirm this). About $100 total for sonogram and pregnancy options counseling. "Since 1976, the Houston Women's Clinic has been the trusted leader in providing safe, compassionate and confidential abortion care." Address: 4820 San Jacinto Street, Houston, TX 77004. Hours: Mon – Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm, Sat 7:30 am – until done. Phone: 713-868-4483, 1-800-646-4483 (Toll Free).
*You may be able to get the abortion pill mailed to you. Check out [https://www.womenonweb.org/en/i-need-an-abortion Women on Web] or contact a local sexual & reproductive health care organization to see what may be available to you.
* [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/texas/houston/77023/planned-parenthood-center-for-choice-ambulatory-surgical-center-(abortion)-2292-91650/abortion Planned Parenthood Center for Choice Ambulatory Surgical Center (Abortion)- Houston , TX]: Services offered: abortion pill (medication abortion), in-clinic abortion, sedation options (medication to make the abortion more comfortable), pre- and post-abortion patient education, post-abortion follow-up exams, referrals for other abortion services, as needed. About $150 total for sonogram and pregnancy options counseling. "Please contact this health center for abortion services pricing information. They may not perform abortions on minors under 15 or on pregnant minors who are over 11 weeks pregnant.
*You can get an abortion in other states, such as New Mexico or California. You can call National Abortion Federation (1-800-772-9100) for potential financial and transportation support in obtaining abortions in another state.
If you are uninsured, you may be eligible to receive financial assistance for your procedure. You can confidentially find out if you qualify by calling us at 713.535.2400." Address: 4600 Gulf Freeway, Ste.300, Houston, TX 77023. p: 713.535.2400 | f: 713.535.2418.
*You can contact [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/texas/houston/77081/southwest-health-center-2293-91650 Planned Parenthood Southwest Health Center] to see what options may be available for you.
* [http://www.texasabortioninformation.com/ Aaron Family Planning Clinic/Women’s Pavilion]: Provides surgical abortions for up to 20 weeks. May not provide medical abortions (abortion pill), so you should call to confirm. About $100 total for sonogram and pregnancy options counseling. They don't provide medical abortions (the abortion pill). Address: 2505 North Shepherd Dr., Houston, TX 77008. Phone: 713-272-6900.
* [http://www.suburbanwomensclinic.com/houstonabortionservices.shtml Suburban Women’s Medical Center of Northwest Houston]: Provides medical abortions (for up to 7 weeks) and surgical abortions (for up to 15 weeks & 6 days). About $200-$250 for sonogram and pregnancy options counseling. "Some insurance plans cover abortion services and we accept insurance. We must verify this information before your appointment. Please call the office so that we may verify coverage prior to your appointment." They have 2 locations. Address #1: 17070 Red Oak Dr., Ste. 505, Houston, TX 77090. Phone: 800-233-0608, 281-440-1796. Address #2: 3101 Richmond #250, Houston, TX 77098. Phone: 713-222-9832.
 
===Costs===
===Costs===


Nationwide, the abortion pill can cost $800, but often less. For an in-clinic procedure, abortions can cost $1500, but often less. You can often find cheaper options at Planned Parenthood or some clinics. In Texas, Medicaid does not cover abortion.<ref>[https://fundabortionnow.org/get-help/medicaid Can Medicaid cover my abortion?]</ref>
Nationwide, the abortion pill can cost $800, but often less. For an in-clinic procedure, abortions can cost $1500, but often less. You can often find cheaper options at Planned Parenthood or some clinics.


==Advocacy & Counseling==
==Advocacy & Counseling==
Line 175: Line 216:
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===


* For emergencies, call 911 to get police and an ambulance.
* [http://www.thehotline.org/ National Domestic Abuse Hotline]: 1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
* [http://www.thehotline.org/ National Domestic Abuse Hotline]: 1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
* If you're dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the [http://www.thehotline.org/ National Domestic Violence Hotline Number] at 1-800-787-3224. "Our highly-trained advocates are available 24/7 to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship. "
* [https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline]: Call 1-800-273-8255. "We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals."
* If you have been abused and are in need of support, the [http://rainn.org Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)] may be able to provide help and counseling. Visit their website call their 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.
* [http://www.thetrevorproject.org/ The Trevor Project (Lifeline)]: Call: 866-488-7386. This is a 24/7 hotline for LGBT youth. "Our trained counselors are here to support you 24/7. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the Trevor Lifeline now at 866-488-7386."
* [http://www.glbthotline.org/national-hotline.html Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender National Hotline]: Toll-free: 1-888-843-4564. HOURS: Monday thru Friday from 1pm to 9pm, pacific time (Monday thru Friday from 4pm to midnight, eastern time). Saturday from 9am to 2pm, pacific time. (Saturday from noon to 5pm, eastern time). "All of our services are free and confidential.We speak with callers of all ages about coming-out issues, relationship concerns, bullying, workplace issues, HIV/AIDS anxiety and safer-sex information, and lots more!"


===Costs===
===Costs===
Retrieved from "https://gynopedia.org/Special:MobileDiff/3965...186732"

Navigation menu