Ultrasound Importance
Is Abortion Legal in Georgia?
The current Georgia abortion law prohibits abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, typically around 6 weeks from your last period[1]. Exceptions can be made for:
- Medical emergencies
- Rape or incest in a pregnancy less than 20 weeks from the last menstrual period
- Cases that in reasonable medical judgment there is an anomaly incompatible with sustaining life
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 two key things about your pregnancy: viability and gestational age.
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[2].
This is critical information because a significant number of pregnancies end on their own in miscarriage[3]. 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[4]—in either case, abortion is no longer an option to consider.
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[5]. 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 Options Now. 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 Valdosta, GA
No matter where you are in your unplanned pregnancy journey, you aren’t alone. Our ultrasound-trained personnel 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 (229) 506-5017 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.
Sources
- House Bill 481. Georgia General Assembly. (2019, May 7). Retrieved from https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20192020/187013
- Fetal Development. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth
- 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 3). 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
