Why You Need an Ultrasound Before Abortion in Pennsylvania
Is Abortion Legal in Pennsylvania?
Currently, abortion is legal in Pennsylvania through the 23rd week of pregnancy. Exceptions can be made if the health of the pregnant woman is in danger.
We strongly recommend receiving an ultrasound before an abortion. Keep reading to find out why.
Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?
You may be wondering why you’d want an ultrasound, especially if you’re considering abortion. The answer is that ultrasounds provide the insight needed to make an informed and empowered decision for an unplanned pregnancy. They determine three key things about your pregnancy: viability, placement (to rule out an ectopic pregnancy), and gestational age.
What is Pregnancy Viability?
A viable pregnancy means that the pregnancy is progressing. For example, after about 6 weeks gestation, the embryo’s heartbeat can be detected by an ultrasound.[1]
This is critical information because a significant number of pregnancies end on their own in miscarriage.[2] In this case, an abortion is no longer an option to consider.
What is Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that forms outside the uterus. This occurs in a small number of pregnancies and can be life-threatening. An ultrasound can show whether a pregnancy is in the uterus or is ectopic. If you are considering abortion, it’s important to have an ultrasound to determine pregnancy placement because the abortion pill does not treat an ectopic pregnancy.[3]
What is Gestational Age?
Gestational age refers to how far along you are in your pregnancy. It’s important to know your gestational age since the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period.[4]
Consider receiving a free ultrasound at Morning Star Clinics. Once your ultrasound determines how far along you are, our team of medical professionals will help you explore all of your pregnancy options, so you can make the best choice for your health and future.
Free Ultrasounds in Central PA
No matter where you are in your unplanned pregnancy journey, you aren’t alone. Our registered diagnostic medical sonographers are here to provide the support and vital information needed to make an informed decision.
Don’t wait to get the care you deserve. Give us a call at 717-901-2799 or request an appointment online today.
Please be aware that this article is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Our limited ultrasound examination is strictly for the purposes of confirming your pregnancy, detecting fetal cardiac activity, and estimating gestational age. We cannot diagnose any medical problems you may be experiencing, pregnancy-related or otherwise.
Sources
- Männer, J. (2022, June 9). When Does the Human Embryonic Heart Start Beating? A Review of Contemporary and Historical Sources of Knowledge about the Onset of Blood Circulation in Man. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9225347/#
- Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage – Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
- FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, March 23). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information