Texas' New Abortion Regime Sends Shockwaves Through Neighboring States
The abrupt illegality of most abortions in Texas means more than just an exponential surge in patients spilling over to neighboring states’ clinics — though that’s happening too.
It also means patients who are stressed over missing many days of work or finding lodging or maneuvering the long trip out-of-state with children in tow, and without the support system they may have had back home.
“We’re dealing with both a much higher volume and with patients who are in crisis at a much higher rate,” Emily Wales, interim president & CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, told TPM.
And while the states near Texas may not have the draconian six-week ban that the Supreme Court allowed to stand before it hears the case, many are still hostile to abortion rights. Oklahoma requires an ultrasound and 72-hour waiting period. Kansas has a 24-hour waiting period and both private insurance (without an additionally purchased rider) and plans in the state’s health exchange only cover the procedure in cases of life endangerment. Arkansas has a 72-hour waiting period that only begins after an in-person, state-directed counseling session aimed at dissuading the patient from having the abortion.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/texas-new-abortion-regime-sends-shockwaves-through-neighboring-states/ar-AAQ80A6