Abortion Access

Abortion is still legal in the United States. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Constitution does not confer a right to an abortion. It is now up to each state to determine if and under which circumstances it will allow abortions to legally take place.

Louisiana has passed laws making all abortions, except under very narrow circumstances, illegal to access at any point during gestation. The closest states that allow abortion care to be performed are Florida, Illinois, New Mexico, and Colorado. Other states may be more accessible by direct flight from New Orleans. Some states have a law requiring parental consent for anyone under the age of 18 to have an abortion.

To summarize, abortion is broadly defined under Louisiana law to include any drug-induced or physical/mechanical termination of a “clinically diagnosable pregnancy,” which includes any pregnancy that is capable of being detected by any blood or urine test or by ultrasound.

The “exceptions” to the general provision banning abortions are carved out in Louisiana statute by the legislature defining what shall not be considered abortion.

The carve-outs are: (1) preserving the life or health of the unborn child; (2) removal of the dead unborn child in the case of miscarriage/spontaneous abortion; (3) removing an ectopic pregnancy; (4) using methotrexate to treat an ectopic pregnancy; (5) preventing the death or substantial risk of death/permanent impairment to a life-sustaining organ of the mother; and (6) when the pregnancy is “medically futile.” Notably, the Louisiana Department of Health released a list of 25 conditions that are considered “medically futile” pregnancies.

For more information about Louisiana-specific laws, please visit Lift Louisiana.

Currently, under Louisiana law the individual that receives an abortion cannot be criminally prosecuted. Instead, the laws identify those who perform surgical abortions or provide abortion pills.

Generally speaking, when a criminal act is “decriminalized” in a certain jurisdiction, it means that the District Attorney has directed prosecutors to not pursue suit against people found to be participating in the criminalized act. Importantly, decriminalized acts still remain illegal. Decriminalization simply means that this specific criminalized act is either not a priority for prosecutors, or that they do not seek to enforce it. This does not mean that an individual violating the law cannot be charged.

The current law sets criminal penalties for anyone who sends abortion pills by mail into Louisiana. It is also illegal for healthcare providers to provide abortion services via telehealth. However, as currently written the law does not criminalize the actual taking of the abortion pill regimen, instead it criminalizes the act of supplying it. It is important to note that the status of abortion pills is being litigated across the country, as is discussed elsewhere on this webpage.

This depends on what you mean by “help.” As discussed below, it is not illegal to assist someone in paying for or traveling to an abortion provider out of state. It is also not illegal to share information regarding how to get an abortion- that is free speech protected by the First Amendment.

No, in Louisiana it is not illegal to help someone else pay for an abortion, nor is it illegal to pay for an abortion at all. The law does not prohibit providing financial assistance to someone who is seeking abortion care. If you or someone you know is having trouble affording abortion care, check out Lift Louisiana for financial resources.

Yes.

Tulane University is committed to maintaining this public-facing website with up-to-date information about legal status and access to abortion both within Louisiana and nationwide. This website is designed to provide factual information regarding laws, access, and support options that might prevent a member of the Tulane community from accessing the care that they require.

Tulane community members can also visit the Guttmacher Institute’s report on current Abortion laws in the U.S., which is updated almost daily. Visit that resource here.

On campus, Campus Health and Case Management and Victim Support Services (CMVSS) can provide support to any student who would like to learn more about pregnancy resources and options.

Campus Health has medical providers (physicians and nurse practitioners) who can confirm a pregnancy and provide options counseling. Counseling includes an unbiased discussion of the options to continue or end the pregnancy based on the patient’s own personal circumstances, supporting the patient in the decision-making process, and referring to appropriate resources and services based on the patient’s wishes. Campus Health is a confidential resource whose records are kept in accordance with state and federal privacy/healthcare law. They can talk you through options and refer you to resources to support adoption, parenting, or other options.

CMVSS is a private resource who can help a person learn more about pregnancy, abortion, adoption, and parenting options. CMVSS is not a healthcare resource, subject to HIPAA; rather it is an educational resource subject to privacy protection under FERPA. For more information on FERPA and its privacy protections, check out Tulane’s FERPA Overview, which can be accessed at this link.

Off campus, the All-Options Talkline offers free peer counseling to callers from anywhere in the US or Canada. Simply call 1-888-493-0092 for support regarding abortion, adoption, infertility, parenting, and pregnancy loss. All-Options promotes unconditional, judgment-free support for people in all their decisions, feelings, and experiences regarding pregnancy, parenting, abortion, and adoption. This is a non-confidential peer-based resource not subjected to the laws of HIPPA or FERPA.

To learn more about emergency contraception options and where to access them on Tulane’s campus, see below FAQ: “What is Emergency Contraception and where can Tulane students access it?”.

Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy. The pregnancy is ended either by taking medication or having a surgical procedure. Medication abortion, also known as the “abortion pill,” is when you take medication that you get from an authorized healthcare provider to end a pregnancy. Medical abortion can be offered up to 11 weeks (77 days) from the last menstrual period (LMP). The FDA has approved the medication protocol for up to 10 weeks (70 days from LMP) but current literature supports using the medication abortion regimen through 11 weeks (77 days) from LMP. Different abortion clinics in different states will decide their cut-off point. Surgical abortion is done in a health center by an authorized healthcare provider.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) abortion is a safe medical intervention and complication rates are low. In fact, the risk of maternal death associated with childbirth is approximately 14 times higher than the risk associated with abortion. If you have questions about your symptoms after an abortion, often you can reach out to your abortion provider. Warning signs that would require immediate care include any of the following:

• You do not bleed at all after 24 hours of taking the second medication (misoprostol)
• You are soaking more than 4 pads in 2 hours with blood
• Your pain is not better after using the medicines recommended by the place you purchased the pills, or if you have severe pain at all
• You have a fever over 100.4F
• You get strong stomach pain or “feel sick” more than 24 hours after using the misoprostol

Benefits and services may include: professor notification, notetaking assistance, audio recording lectures, breaks during class, test rescheduling and proctoring, ADA-accessible parking permit, adjustments to on-campus employment, etc.

Click here to learn more about how pregnant students can connect with CMVSS.

CMVSS will work with students on a case-specific and individualized basis to help with reasonable accommodations, including academic accommodations. CMVSS will coordinate communication with the student’s instructors and will take steps to ensure the student’s privacy is protected.

Students who believe that they may have experienced pregnancy discrimination, including the denial of a reasonable request for an accommodation, can file a complaint with the Title IX Office by contacting 504-865-5611 or titleix@tulane.edu, visiting the office in Jones Hall 308, or filing a report at tulane.edu/concerns.

Employees can visit https://hr.tulane.edu/work-life to learn about resources and support options for pregnant and parenting employees.

• Information about medical treatment options
• STI screening & treatment
• Pregnancy prevention information and prescription (if applicable)
• Referrals for follow-up care including counseling & medical treatment

There is no out-of-pocket cost for an appointment or lab tests for emergency evaluations. Prescriptions are covered by insurance or accounts receivable/self-pay. You can receive these services confidentially without making a formal report.

The Health Center is a confidential resource, open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., located in building 92 on the Uptown Campus at the corner of Newcomb Place and Willow Street. For a same-day emergency appointment, call 504-865-5255 and ask to speak to a nurse for a sexual assault evaluation.

Campus Health or CMVSS can also help students access an off-campus forensic exam by providing information about sexual assault forensic examinations, transportation to the exam, and support through the process. For an interactive guide to options available to survivors of sexual violence, please visit here.

Pregnancy tests are available for free at the Campus Health Pharmacy. The Pharmacy is located on the first floor of the Student Health Center, building #92 at the corner of Newcomb Place and Willow Street. Students may also schedule an appointment at the Student Health Center to be assessed by a clinician and given an in-clinic pregnancy test.

Campus Health provides both Plan B and Ella through the Campus Health Pharmacy. Plan B is available to Tulane University and Loyola University students for free with no questions asked at the Pharmacy. The Pharmacy is located on the first floor of the Student Health Center, building #92 at the corner of Newcomb Place and Willow Street.

Tulane students can access Ella by making a same-day appointment with the Student Health Center. A provider will prescribe Ella and students can fill their prescription at the Campus Health Pharmacy, which maintains Ella in inventory.

Students can also access emergency contraception through Plan B NOLA. Plan B NOLA provides free emergency contraception through a delivery and outpost pick-up system. Information about how to access their services can be found here: https://www.planbnola.com/

For students on the Tulane Student Health Insurance Program (T-SHIP), hormonal birth control is available to be dispensed in 90-day increments via mail order. That is the maximum amount that can be dispensed at one time.

For students on private insurance, please contact your insurance provider to learn about available contraception options.

For employees on Tulane’s prescription drug program through OptumRX, hormonal birth control is available to be dispensed in 90-day increments via mail order. For more information, visit here.

If placed within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex, Paragard IUD lowers the chance of getting pregnant by 99%. Paragard IUD is just as effective on day five as on day one after unprotected sex. Also, when placed as EC, Paragard IUD can remain in place and continue preventing pregnancy for up to 10 years. Paragard is effective at preventing pregnancy regardless of weight.

2. A second type of emergency contraception is Progestin EC pills. These are Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg pills (sold as Plan B, One Step, Next Choice, EContra One-Step, Take Action, and levonorgestrel tablets) that stop the ovaries from releasing an egg to prevent pregnancy. Some Progestin EC pills packs contain one pill and some contain two pills. If your pack has two pills, you should take the two pills together.

If taken within 3 days of unprotected sex, Progestin EC pills are 58-94% effective in preventing pregnancy. The sooner you take the pill after unprotected sex, the better it will work.

Progestin EC pills may not work as well for people who weigh more than 165 pounds or with a body mass index over 26 (source).

You might experience symptoms after taking progestin EC: Some people have nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, breast pain or belly pain for 1-2 days after taking the pills. Your next period may come a few days early or a few days late and you may have spotting.

EContra One-Step is available for free and without a prescription to students at the Tulane Campus Health pharmacy.

3. The third type of emergency contraception is Ulipristal acetate pills (Ella). Ella is a prescription emergency contraceptive that reduces your chances of becoming pregnant. If taken within 5 days of unprotected sex, it is 85% effective in preventing pregnancy. Ella, however, may not work as well for people who weigh more than 195 pounds or if your body mass index is over 35. Try an IUD instead.

You might experience symptoms with Ullipristal EC: Some people have nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, breast pain or belly pain for 1-2 days after taking the pills. Your next period may come a few days early or a few days late and you may have spotting.

To access Ella, you need a prescription. You can schedule an appointment with Campus Health, or use a telemedicine service such as Tulane Telehealth Urgent Care (24/7 access; visit campushealth.tulane.edu/Tulane-telehealth).

There are several emergency contraception (EC) options for those who do not want to get pregnant. These options are made for people who have a vagina, uterus and ovaries and who had a penis inside, or rubbing against, their vagina when ejaculation occurred.

You can’t use EC to end a pregnancy. EC doesn’t work if you are pregnant. Here is a fact sheet on the differences between EC and the abortion pill: https://www.reproductiveaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/difference.pdf

• A condom or other birth control method was not used when you had vaginal sex.
• A mistake with your regular birth control was made (forgot to take your birth control pills, change a patch or ring, or get a shot on time) and had vaginal sex.
• The condom broke or slipped off after ejaculation (cumming).
• A partner didn’t withdraw (pull out) in time.**
• A person was forced to have unprotected vaginal sex.

**Withdrawal (Pull out) method is not recommended as it is only effective in preventing pregnancy about 80% of the time

For a full list of safer sex options distributed by Tulane, their pick-up locations, and videos about how to use each method, visit here.

To learn about the specific sexual health services Campus Health offers to students, please visit the Sexual Health Services website here.

Campus Health can prescribe and insert IUDs and implants at the Student Health Center. Clinicians at the Student Health Center will help you to decide if an IUD or implant is right for you, explain the process, and schedule a return appointment for insertion. Most private insurance plans cover IUDs with no cost to the patient.

Planned Parenthood’s New Orleans Health Center is located at 4636 S. Claiborne Ave and provides IUDs and other forms of birth control support via both in-person and telehealth appointments. Call 504-897-9200 to make an appointment.

To learn more about IUDs and accessing them, visit: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud/how-can-i-get-an-iud

If you need an abortion but are not sure where to start, a good place to start is the National Abortion Federation hotline at 1-800-772-9100. NAF is a non-profit abortion access organization that maintains up-to-date information about laws in each state including waiting periods and maps of where to get abortions. By calling the hotline, you can speak with a live person who can help you figure out which state would be easiest to travel to, how long any waiting period might be in that state, any gestational age restrictions, and available funding at specific clinics. NAF can also provide referrals to counselors for patients who are undecided or would like pre- or post-abortion counseling services.

The NAF Hotline is available seven days a week, 8am eastern time to 6pm eastern time.

Additionally, the Louisiana Abortion Fund partners with callers from across the Gulf South to connect them with the funding and resources they need to access legal abortion care. Call them at 844-44-ABORT (844-442-2678).

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) abortion is a safe medical intervention and complication rates are low. In fact, the risk of maternal death associated with childbirth is approximately 14 times higher than the risk associated with abortion. If you have questions about your symptoms after an abortion, often you can reach out to your abortion provider. If you have questions about your symptoms after an abortion, often you can reach out to your abortion provider. Warning signs that would require immediate care include any of the following:

• You do not bleed at all after 24 hours of taking the second medication (misoprostol)
• You are soaking more than 4 pads in 2 hours with blood
• Your pain is not better after using the medicines recommended by the place you purchased the pills, or if you have severe pain at all
• You have a fever over 100.4F
• You get strong stomach pain or “feel sick” more than 24 hours after using the misoprostol

• The Sexual Health for Students and Sexual Literacy for Students curriculum offers Tulane students an opportunity to develop their own concept of healthy sexuality. The curriculum achieves this by providing medically accurate, queer-inclusive, and sex positive comprehensive sexual health education through interactive modules. Topics covered in the modules include: consent and healthy relationships; adolescent development; sexual and reproductive anatomy and physiology; gender identity and expression; sexual identity and orientation; interpersonal and sexual violence; contraception, pregnancy, reproduction; HIV and other STDs/STIs. To access these modules, fill out the three-question sign-up form here.
• Tulane’s Campus Health YouTube also includes education for those interested in safer sex practices, available campus resources and services, and opportunities to build skills around healthy sexuality. You can view Campus Health’s Sexual Health 101 playlist here.
• Tulane’s Campus Health has also developed a sexual wellness website around sexual health and sexuality. You can look through that site here.
• For a full list of safer sex resource options distributed by Tulane, their pick-up locations, and videos about how to use each method, visit here.