Abortion Travel Guide: Mission to Boulder, CO
If you are traveling from Mission or the surrounding Rio Grande Valley region for abortion care, Boulder Valley Health Center (BVHC) is here to support you every step of the way.
Because Texas laws currently restrict local abortion access, many patients from Mission and nearby communities must travel out of state for care.
BVHC provides a safe, single-visit option in Boulder, Colorado, designed specifically for patients traveling long distances.
For detailed information about Texas abortion laws and Colorado’s legal protections, please visit our Texas Abortion Care resources page.
Planning Your Travel from Mission to Boulder, CO
While this guide focuses on Mission, we provide dedicated support for patients traveling from Mission and surrounding communities in the Rio Grande Valley region, including McAllen, Edinburg, Pharr, Alton, Donna, and Weslaco.
Flying to Denver
McAllen International Airport (MFE) offers flights to major hubs, including Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) or Houston (IAH) connecting to Denver International Airport (DEN).
Alternate Airport:
- Valley International Airport (HRL) – Harlingen: About 1-15. hours east; offers one-stop flights via American or United Airlines.
Flight Time:
- Total Tavel Time: Typically ranges from 5-7 hours depending on routing and connecting flights.
Ground Transit from DEN to Boulder (45 minutes):
- RTD SkyRide Bus (AB Route): Direct, affordable transportation between DEN and Boulder.
- Ride-sharing Services/Taxis: Uber and Lyft operate regularly from the airport.
- Rental Car: Multiple agencies are available onsite at DEN if you prefer private transportation.
Driving from the Mission Area to Boulder
Some patients prefer to drive, particularly when coordinating travel with a support person or needing flexible timing.
Distance: Approx. 1150 miles
Driving Time: About 18-20 hours of active driving
Common Route: Most patients travel north via US-281 toward central Texas to connect to I-35 Northbound through Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. Merging onto I-70 W into Colorado, to I-25 N toward Boulder.
Overnight Stay: We recommend planning overnight stops, so you arrive rested and comfortable for your appointment.
Parking at BVHC: If you are driving your own vehicle from Mission or the surrounding Rio Grand Valley communities, our clinic offers private, accessible parking specifically reserved for out-of-state patients.
Packing for Your Trip
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Phone, earbuds, and charger
- A book or quiet activity
- Pads and extra underwear
- Personal comfort items for rest or travel
Patient Support: Our patient navigator team can help you plan arrival and departure times that align with your appointment, often minimizing the need for overnight lodging.
Single-Visit Appointment Model: Whenever medically appropriate, we prioritize out of state travelers for single-day appointments so consultation and procedure can be completed in one visit.
Local Support for Mission Residents
Traveling out of state for care can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. We would with organizations that understand the barriers faced by patients in the Mission and Rio Grande Valley region.
Reputable Texas Support Organizations:
- Fund Texas Choice: Specializes in travel logistics and costs.
- Lilith Fund: Provides financial assistance for patients in Central and Southern Texas.
- Texas Equal Access (TEA) Fund: Supports patients in North Texas and the Panhandle.
- Jane’s Due Process: Provides legal support, information, and practical help for pregnant and parenting teens in Texas.
- National Abortion Federation (NAF) – Our financial navigators can help coordinate national funding assistance when you schedule your appointment.
BVHC Financial Navigators:
When you call to schedule, mention you are traveling from out-of-state. We can help you explore financial assistance options and discuss payment options to reduce stress.
Why Choose Boulder Valley Health Center?
Many patients from Mission choose BVHC for the following reasons:
Faster Access: We often have appointments available within 7 days, compared to longer wait times in neighboring states with limited clinic availability.
Single-Visit Care: Our care model is specifically structured for long-distance travelers, minimizing repeat trips and time away from home.
Legal Protection: Abortion is legal and constitutionally protected in Colorado under state Shield Laws, providing strong protections for out-of-state patients.
Trusted Experience: Founded in 1973, BVHC is Colorado’s first abortion clinic, with more than 50 years of experience serving patients from across the South.
Privacy & Confidentiality: Your medical information is kept strictly confidential and never shared without your consent.
Contact Boulder Valley Health Center
If you’re considering traveling to Boulder for abortion services, please call us to discuss and schedule an appointment. Unfortunately, we can NOT schedule abortion appointments online.
We’re here to answer your questions and provide high-quality, affordable, supportive, and respectful healthcare to all our patients.
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm | Saturdays 8:30 am – 1:00 pm MT
Location: 2855 Valmont Road, Boulder, CO 80301
Additional Questions?
We understand that traveling for healthcare is a big decision. For detailed answers regarding medical safety, what to expect during your procedure, and aftercare, please visit our full guide for Out-of-State Patients.
