In 2023, more than 100 children aged 17 and younger traveled out of Texas to get an abortion. The disturbing figures, shared by a state agency, include cases of young children as young as 11 seeking the procedure outside the state. This report, which only covers part of 2023, likely understates the actual numbers, with more children possibly having left the state for abortions.
According to data from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the youngest of these children were just 11 years old. There were six children in this age group who traveled for an abortion, while two others were between the ages of 12 and 13. Almost 30 children aged 14-15 also sought abortions outside the state. The rest of those seeking abortions were between 16 and 17 years old.
The data shows that Texas, after banning abortion following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, has seen a rise in minors traveling to other states for the procedure. In addition to this, Texas’ abortion laws make no exceptions for cases of rape or incest, further complicating the situation for minors. As a result, many young individuals have had to leave the state even if they are under the legal age of consent.
A 2024 study highlighted that Texas experienced the highest number of rape-related pregnancies of all states with total abortion bans. From July 2022 to January 2024, around 26,000 individuals became pregnant due to rape. This statistic is alarming, especially as Texas’ law forces many minors to travel out of state for abortions.
Before the ban in August 2022, the state saw approximately 1,000 to 1,400 minors receiving abortions annually within Texas. However, after the ban, no minors in the state received abortions in 2023, and data for 2024 shows the same trend.
Texas Representative Speaks Out
Representative Mihaela Plesa, a Democrat from North Texas, expressed deep concern over the abortion ban on the 52nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade. She said, “Texas currently has one of the strictest abortion bans in the nation, and doctors fear repercussions even if the life of the mother is at risk. In this legislative session, we must carve out exceptions to protect the lives of our mothers.”
Plesa further pointed out that children are at a much higher risk of complications during pregnancy than adults. Conditions like premature delivery or preeclampsia, which causes high blood pressure, are far more common among minors.
“These are not just statistics,” said Plesa in a social media post. “These are real stories about people who are having these traumatic experiences. It’s happening in districts across Texas, even in suburban areas like Plano.”
The Impact of the Ban on Minors
The effects of Texas’ abortion ban are being felt in communities across the state. Minors, especially those who are victims of rape, face significant challenges as they are forced to leave their home state for an abortion. This trend is alarming, particularly as the state’s laws do not provide exceptions for difficult situations.
Doctors in Texas have also raised concerns about the risks associated with young girls carrying pregnancies to term. Minors face far higher medical risks, and without access to abortion within the state, many are left with few options.
As the number of children seeking abortions out of state grows, it’s clear that Texas’ strict abortion laws are affecting young people in ways that lawmakers may not have fully anticipated.
Conclusion
The new data shows a troubling trend for minors in Texas as they face the harsh realities of the state’s strict abortion laws. With no exceptions for rape or incest, many young people have no choice but to leave the state for necessary medical care. The situation is urgent, and lawmakers must address these issues to protect the health and well-being of minors in Texas.
Disclaimer—Our team has checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any misinformation. We are committed to providing clear and reliable information for our readers.
