Why You Need an Ultrasound Before Abortion in California
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Is Abortion Legal in California?
Currently, abortion is legal up until viability in California[1]. Viability refers to the point in pregnancy when a fetus is developed enough to survive outside the womb with medical help. Viability occurs at approximately 24 weeks of pregnancy[2].
We strongly recommend receiving an ultrasound before an abortion. Keep reading to find out why.
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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 two key things about your pregnancy: viability and gestational age.
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What is Pregnancy Viability?
A viable pregnancy means that, in the early stages, growth and development are progressing as expected. For example, after about 6 weeks gestation, the embryo’s heartbeat can be detected by an ultrasound[3].
When no heartbeat is detected it may indicate a miscarriage. A miscarriage is the loss of pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation. This is critical information because a significant number of pregnancies end on their own in miscarriage[4]. The ultrasound also can show if the pregnancy is inside the uterus. A small number of pregnancies form outside the uterus, known as ectopic pregnancy. Not only can ectopic pregnancies be life-threatening, but the abortion pill doesn’t treat them[5]—in either case, abortion is no longer an option to consider.
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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[6].
Consider receiving a free ultrasound at Pregnancy Care Center. Your ultrasound will determine the gestational age of the fetus and if the abortion pill is an option. Our compassionate patient advocates will help you explore all of your pregnancy options, so you can make the best choice for your health and future.
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Free Ultrasounds in Fresno, California
No matter where you are in your unplanned pregnancy journey, you aren’t alone. Our licensed medical professionals and patient advocates 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 (559) 237-0683 to schedule your appointment! All services are free and confidential.
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
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Proclamation on Reproductive Freedom. (2019, May 31). Retrieved from https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Proclamation-on-Reproductive-Freedom.pdf
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Breborowicz, G. (2001, January). Limits of fetal viability and its enhancement. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11753511/
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Fetal Development. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth
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Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage - Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
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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
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Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2021, December 16). 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