Why You Need an Ultrasound Before Abortion in Texas
Is Abortion Legal in Texas?
Effective August 24, 2022, abortion became illegal in Texas. However, exceptions can be made for medical emergencies. Your doctor must provide a written document that certifies if an abortion is necessary to save your life[1]. You are also required to receive an ultrasound beforehand.
Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?
You may be wondering why you’d want an ultrasound, especially if you’re thinking about terminating the pregnancy. The answer is that ultrasounds provide the insight needed to make an informed and empowered decision for an unexpected pregnancy! They determine two key things about your pregnancy: viability and gestational age.
What is Pregnancy Viability?
A viable pregnancy means that the pregnancy is progressing properly. For example, at about six weeks, the embryo should have a heartbeat[2]. The goal is to rule out a nonviable pregnancy, such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy—in either case, abortion isn’t needed.
What is Gestational Age?
How far along am I? Your ultrasound can answer that question! It’s important to know how far along you are (also known as your gestational age), as you can’t take the abortion pill past 10 weeks of pregnancy[3]. If you’re considering traveling out of state for an abortion, be aware that the surrounding areas may have gestational age limitations as well.
Consider receiving a free ultrasound at Pregnancy Help Center of Fort Worth! If your ultrasound determines that you’re too far along to take the abortion pill, our compassionate client advocates will help you explore all of your pregnancy options, so you can make the best choice for your health and future!
Free Ultrasounds in Fort Worth, TX
No matter where you are in your unexpected pregnancy journey, you aren’t alone! Pregnancy Help Center of Fort Worth is here to provide the support and vital information needed to make an informed decision.
Give us a call at 817-560-2226 or schedule your 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. Additionally, Pregnancy Help Center of Forth Worth does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- S.B. No. 8. Texas Legislature Online. (2021, September 1). Retrieved from https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/87R/billtext/pdf/SB00008F.pdf
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, September 3). Slide Show: Fetal Ultrasound. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/multimedia/fetal-ultrasound/sls-20076294?s=3#
- 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
