As Halloween rolls around, the real spooky stories in Texas are abortion myths and abortion bans. Misinformation is used to shame people, spread fear, and justify abortion bans. With HB7, Texas’s fourth abortion ban, set to take effect on December 4th, we thought we’d debunk some anti-abortion myths. The truth is far less scary than the lies.
Myth #1: The only valid reason for an abortion is a major physical health concern.
Truth: Every reason to get an abortion is valid. Deciding to end a pregnancy is an act of bodily autonomy, and no politician, lawmaker, or stranger has the right to determine what’s “valid” for someone else. It’s your body, your voice, and your decision.
Myth #2: If you have an abortion, it’s hard to get pregnant again.
Truth: Abortion does not cause infertility or make it harder to have children later. This myth has been debunked for decades by leading medical organizations. Safe, legal abortion care — including medication abortion — does not impact fertility. What does cause harm are the barriers, bans, and delays that force people to seek unsafe alternatives.
Myth #3: Most people regret their abortions.
Truth: Over 95% of people surveyed five years after having an abortion said it was the right decision for them (Center for Reproductive Rights). The “regret” myth is a scare tactic weaponized by anti-abortion extremists to push shame and stigma. In reality, most people feel relief and wish they’d had easier access to care and support.
Myth #4: Abortion bans affect everyone the same.
Truth: Abortion bans hit hardest on marginalized communities. Black, Brown, immigrant, low-income, young, and rural Texans face existing systemic barriers, and abortion bans make access to sexual and reproductive healthcare extremely difficult. Abortion access is inseparable from racial, economic, and immigration justice. When we fund access, we’re funding freedom and community care.
Myth #5: Abortion being banned in Texas means abortion is impossible.
Truth: Texans are still accessing abortion care, and Fund Texas Choice helps make it possible. We cover travel, lodging, and transportation to support Texans forced to leave the state for abortion care. Even with multiple bans in effect, our network of funds, organizations, and providers ensures people can still access safe, legal abortions. No matter what lawmakers say, every version of the future includes abortion. We’ll keep showing up.
Myth #6: Abortion and abortion pills are dangerous and cause long-term physical effects.
Truth: Abortion is one of the safest medical procedures out there. Both procedural and medication abortions are backed by decades of medical research and are safer than many common outpatient procedures. The real danger comes from extremist laws that restrict care, not the care itself.
At Fund Texas Choice, we meet people where they are: over the phone, online, in moments of fear and uncertainty, and remind them that we’re here for them. We know the scariest part of this fight isn’t the myths; it’s the barriers built by those trying to control our bodies and futures. But Texans are resilient, and together we’re funding hope, safety, and choice every single day.
This spooky season, help us keep the lights on for Texans seeking care.
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