Fetal heartbeat is after 5 or 6 weeks gestation. A woman would typically not think they are pregnant until 3 or 4 weeks gestation, maybe even as long as six, since a missed period is the only sign most would experience. If a pregnancy occurred soon after their most recent period, they could already be 3 weeks pregnant at the time they are expecting the next period. Another week of waiting would probably occur before getting a pregnancy test, so unless a woman rushes right out to get an abortion as soon as they know they are pregnant, there is a high probability that a heartbeat will be detectable at the time they are about to get an abortion. Bottom line, this law eliminates most abortions in Texas!
Fetal heartbeat is after 5 or 6 weeks gestation. A woman would typically not think they are pregnant until 3 or 4 weeks gestation, maybe even as long as six, since a missed period is the only sign most would experience. If a pregnancy occurred soon after their most recent period, they could already be 3 weeks pregnant at the time they are expecting the next period. Another week of waiting would probably occur before getting a pregnancy test, so unless a woman rushes right out to get an abortion as soon as they know they are pregnant, there is a high probability that a heartbeat will be detectable at the time they are about to get an abortion. Bottom line, this law eliminates most abortions in Texas!