Medical vs. Surgical Abortion. Houston to New Mexico.

If you’re considering abortion and live in Houston or anywhere in Texas, you’re likely navigating a maze of confusing laws and limited access. The good news? Safe, legal abortion care is available just across the state line at our clinic in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

At Women’s Reproductive Clinic, we provide medical abortions (also known as the abortion pill) up to 11 weeks of pregnancy. If you are beyond that window, we will refer you for a surgical abortion at a trusted facility. This article walks through the difference between the two methods, when each is used, and what to expect—so you can make an informed decision that fits your needs and timeline.

Medical vs. Surgical Abortion: Medical Abortion

Medical abortion involves taking two medications—Mifepristone and Misoprostol—to end a pregnancy. It is FDA-approved up to 10 weeks and commonly used off-label through 11 weeks, which is our cutoff at WRC.

Medical vs. Surgical Abortion: How it works

• You’ll take the first pill, Mifepristone, in our clinic. This blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to sustain a pregnancy.
• You’ll then take Misoprostol at home, usually within 24-48 hours. This causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy.

What to expect:

• Cramping, heavy bleeding, and passage of clots or tissue
• Common side effects: nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, fever (typically resolves within 24-48 hours)
• A follow-up is not required, but we provide phone guidance and support throughout the process

Eligibility requirements:

• You must be no more than 11 weeks pregnant, as confirmed by an ultrasound in the clinic
• You must be able to travel to WRC in New Mexico, since Texas bans all abortions, including the abortion pill

Houston to New Mexico: What If You’re Past 11 Weeks?

If an ultrasound confirms that your pregnancy is beyond 11 weeks, a surgical abortion will be necessary. WRC does not offer surgical abortions on-site, but we have a trusted referral network and can help you access care safely.

Houston to New Mexico: What Is a Surgical Abortion?

Surgical abortion is a safe, in-clinic procedure typically used after 11 weeks of pregnancy, or for patients who are not eligible for medical abortion.

Types of surgical abortion include:

• Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA): Used up to 12-14 weeks; gentle suction is used to empty the uterus
• Dilation & Curettage (D&C): Often performed up to 14 weeks and involves the gentle scraping of the uterine lining
• Dilation & Evacuation (D&E): Used for pregnancies further along, often requiring multiple visits

Reasons a surgical abortion might be recommended:

• Pregnancy is past 11 weeks
• You have a contraindication to the abortion pill (e.g., certain medical conditions)
• You prefer a faster in-clinic procedure
• Complications from a failed abortion pill require follow-up intervention

Medical vs. Surgical Abortion: Timing Is Everything

Many patients from Houston and surrounding Texas cities assume they have more time than they do. But in abortion care, gestational age determines your options. Here’s why acting early matters:

• Earlier means more options. If you’re under 11 weeks, the abortion pill is available and doesn’t require sedation or surgery.
• Later means more cost and more travel. Surgical procedures may take longer to schedule and may require you to travel farther from home.

We use ultrasound and pregnancy calculators at your appointment to determine your exact gestational age and ensure you receive the proper care for your stage of pregnancy.

Houston to New Mexico: Why Texans Travel to Santa Teresa, NM

Texas bans nearly all abortion—even in early pregnancy. That’s why Houston residents often travel to our New Mexico clinic, just over the El Paso border. WRC offers:

• Medical abortion up to 11 weeks
• Same-day appointments when available
• Compassionate, confidential care
• No protestors, no judgment

We’ve supported thousands of out-of-state patients with scheduling, directions, and guidance—because your care shouldn’t depend on your zip code.

Medical vs. Surgical Abortion: What to Do Next

If you think you might be pregnant and want to explore your options, here’s what to do:

1. Call us to schedule an appointment. WRC does not offer online scheduling.
2. Plan your travel. Most patients from Houston fly or drive to El Paso, TX, which is just minutes from our clinic.
3. Know your timing. We will confirm your gestational age at the appointment, but it’s helpful to know the date of your last period.
4. Bring your ID and be ready to pay in full. The abortion pill is $690, and we do not accept insurance or Medicaid.

Houston to New Mexico: You Deserve Options—and Support

Choosing abortion is personal, and so is the way you receive it. Whether the pill is right for you—or you’re navigating the next steps toward a surgical abortion—we’ll make sure you have answers, options, and a path forward.

Women’s Reproductive Clinic | Santa Teresa, NM
Just a few minutes from El Paso—serving patients from Houston, Dallas, Austin, and beyond.

Call now to schedule. https://reproductiveservices.com/contact
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