Statistics show Texas children under the age of 11 left state for abortion in 2023
A recent report from a Texas state agency has shed light on a disturbing trend – more than 100 children aged 17 and younger, some as young as 11, traveled out of state to receive abortions in 2023. This data comes in the wake of Texas’ ban on abortion following the repeal of Roe v. Wade in 2022. The state’s strict ban does not make exceptions for rape or incest, leading many young individuals to seek abortion services outside of Texas.
The statistics provided by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission revealed that six children aged 11 or younger, two children aged 12-13, and nearly 30 children aged 14-15 traveled out of state for abortions. The remaining individuals were between the ages of 16 and 17. It is important to note that the report only covered the first part of 2023, indicating that the actual numbers may be higher than reported.
A study published in 2024 highlighted Texas as having the highest number of rape-related pregnancies among states with total abortion bans. Between July 2022 and January 2024, an estimated 26,000 individuals in Texas became pregnant as a result of rape. Prior to the ban in August 2022, approximately 1,000-1,400 minors received abortions in Texas annually. However, by 2023, no minors in that age group underwent the procedure in the state. Data from 2024 also showed zero in-state abortions for minors.
Representative Mihaela Plesa, a Democrat from North Texas, expressed concern over the strict abortion ban in Texas. She called for exceptions to be made to protect the lives of mothers, especially in cases where the mother’s life is in danger. Plesa emphasized the need for legislative action to address these critical issues.
In a social media post, Plesa highlighted the dangerous complications that minors face during pregnancy, including a higher risk of premature delivery and preeclampsia. She emphasized that these are not just statistics but real stories of individuals experiencing traumatic situations, even in her district of Plano.
The data and statements underscore the challenges faced by minors seeking abortions in Texas due to the stringent ban on the procedure. As the debate over abortion rights continues, it remains crucial to consider the implications of such policies on the health and well-being of young individuals.
