Recent changes in Texas law require that patients seeking pregnancy termination receive the following information at least 24-hours before having an abortion:

1. You must listen to a recorded message by our doctor regarding the risks associated with carrying a pregnancy to term and the risks associated with abortion. Please call the office (713) 662-3240 during business hours and request to be transferred to the recorded message containing all the elements of the informed consent.

You also have the right to review the printed materials prepared by the Texas Department of Health entitled "The Woman's Right to Know" and the Resource Directory on their site at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wrtk. They are also available in our office. YOU ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO READ THESE MATERIALS, AND ALSO HAVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO READ THEM IF YOU CHOOSE.

2. We are required to give you the following information in writing at least 24 hours before your appointment:

1) Through toll-free telephone number 1-888-973-0022, you have the right to access certain information concerning this abortion facility. If you make a call to the number, your identity will remain anonymous. This toll-free telephone line can provide you with the following information: whether this abortion facility is licensed by the Texas Department of Health; the date of the last inspection of this facility by the Texas Department of Health and any violations of law or rules discovered during that inspection that may pose a health risk to you; any relevant fine, penalty, or judgment rendered against this facility or a doctor who provides services at this facility.

2) The Texas Department of Health is the responsible agency for facility complaint investigations. Complaints regarding abortion facilities must be registered with the department in writing, addressed to the Director, Health Facility Licensing and Compliance Division, Texas Department of Health, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756. A complainant must provide his/her name. All complaints shall be confidential.

3) Information regarding the 24-hour notice and informed consent must be provided to the woman seeking an abortion, including the option to receive or review the booklet "A Woman's Right to Know" Resource Directory, and the option to view the materials at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wrtk. If you are seeking an abortion and the facility has not provided you with the information required, you may call the department at 1-888-973-0022.

3. For patients who are minors (less than 18 years old), completion of a parental consent or a judicial bypass is also required before an abortion. The required form for parental consent may be obtained from our office directly, by fax, email or at http://www.tmb.state.tx.us/rules/rules/165%206%20form.pdf. Minors may request information on obtaining a judicial bypass from our staff or at any Texas courthouse.