Your Health First: 3 Reasons You Need a Diagnostic Screening Before an Abortion

If you're facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering an abortion, your mind is probably racing. You might be looking for information and feeling pressured to make a decision quickly. You may have heard that an ultrasound is a necessary step, but you might be wondering why.

At Care Pregnancy Clinic, we are here to provide the medical facts you need in a safe and supportive environment. An ultrasound isn't just an extra step; it's a crucial medical screening that protects your health and safety. Before you can make any fully informed decision, here are the three critical questions that only a diagnostic screening can answer.

1. Is my pregnancy viable?

• A positive pregnancy test confirms the presence of the pregnancy hormone, but it doesn't tell you if the pregnancy is viable (developing with a detectable heartbeat). According to the Mayo Clinic, a significant percentage of known pregnancies end in a natural, early miscarriage.

• Why this matters for your decision: If you are already in the process of miscarrying, an abortion would be an unnecessary medical procedure that comes with its own costs and potential risks. A diagnostic screening can confirm if the pregnancy is viable, which is essential information for your health.

2. How far along am I?

• The next critical piece of information an ultrasound provides is the gestational age—how many weeks pregnant you are. While you can estimate based on your last menstrual period, it’s not always accurate, especially if your cycles are irregular. An ultrasound provides a precise measurement.

• Why this matters for your decision: Your gestational age is the single most important factor in determining the type of abortion procedure you would be eligible for. A medical abortion (the "abortion pill") is only FDA approved for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. If you are further along than you think, this option would not be available or safe for you, and a surgical procedure would be the other option. You need this information to understand what type of abortion you may be eligible for.

3. Is the pregnancy located in the uterus?

• This is a vital question for your safety. A diagnostic screening confirms that the pregnancy is located inside your uterus, where it is meant to grow. In rare but serious cases, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy.

• Why this matters for your decision: An ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment. The Mayo Clinic describes this as a condition that cannot proceed to birth. Critically, the abortion pill will not treat an ectopic pregnancy, can mask its symptoms, and can create a potentially lethal situation for you without emergency care.

How Care Pregnancy Clinic Can Help

You deserve to make a decision about your pregnancy with a clear understanding of your own health. At Care Pregnancy Clinic, we provide no-cost, confidential diagnostic screenings. Our medical team can answer these three critical questions for you, so you have the facts you need.

We are not here to pressure you. We are here to provide the medical information and supportive space you need to explore all your choices safely and confidently. Before you schedule an abortion or make any other choice, confirm your pregnancy details with a no-cost diagnostic screening. You have a right to this information.

We are here to help you get the facts.