An unexpected pregnancy can bring up a whirlwind of emotions, but the more clarity you have, the more confident your next step can be.
That’s why getting an ultrasound before an abortion matters. It gives you essential answers—how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is viable, and what your options look like based on your unique situation.
This article explores California’s abortion laws and why an ultrasound before abortion is a critical step in your pregnancy journey. At CAPS, we offer free ultrasounds and compassionate care to help you move forward with confidence.
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]
Although ultrasounds aren’t required prior to abortion in California, we strongly recommend it. Keep reading to find out why.
Why Is an Ultrasound Before Abortion Necessary?
An ultrasound before abortion provides essential information to help you make a confident decision about your unplanned pregnancy.
This non-invasive scan uses sound waves to create images of the fetus and uterus, offering clarity on two critical factors: pregnancy viability and gestational age. By confirming these details, an ultrasound ensures you have the facts needed to understand how local laws affect your options.
What Does Pregnancy Viability Mean?
A viable pregnancy indicates that the pregnancy is progressing normally and has the potential to continue to term. During an ultrasound, technicians check for signs like a detectable heartbeat, which typically appears between 6.5 and 7 weeks of gestation.[3]
Having an ultrasound before abortion also helps rule out nonviable pregnancies, such as miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies (where the embryo implants outside the uterus). In these cases, abortion is not necessary. Alternative medical care is required, especially for ectopic pregnancies, which can be life-threatening if untreated.
Why Gestational Age Matters
Gestational age refers to how far along you are in your pregnancy, measured from the first day of your last menstrual period.
In California, knowing your gestational age is crucial because state law prohibits abortions after viability weeks in most cases. Additionally, the abortion pill (mifepristone) is only FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks of gestation.[4]
Benefits of an Ultrasound Before Abortion
Receiving an ultrasound before abortion offers several benefits beyond meeting legal requirements.
It provides peace of mind by confirming the pregnancy’s status, helping you avoid unnecessary appointments or costs if the pregnancy isn’t viable. For example, if an ultrasound reveals a miscarriage, you can pursue appropriate medical care instead of an abortion.
Similarly, identifying an ectopic pregnancy early can be life-saving. Moreover, an ultrasound empowers you with knowledge, allowing you to make decisions aligned with your health and circumstances.
What to Expect During an Ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of your pregnancy.
During the ultrasound, you’ll lie comfortably on an exam table while a trained technician applies a warm gel to your abdomen. They’ll gently glide a handheld device called a transducer over your skin, capturing images of the fetus. You can expect to learn about your pregnancy’s viability and gestational age, helping you make informed decisions.
At CAPS, our trained staff ensures a compassionate and supportive experience, answering any questions you may have.
Free Ultrasounds in San Diego, California
No matter where you are in your unexpected pregnancy journey, you aren’t alone! Our trained ultrasound technicians are here to provide the support and vital information needed to make an informed decision.
We offer free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, and a safe, compassionate space to explore your pregnancy options.
Your next step can bring peace of mind. Let’s take it together. Give us a call at (619) 337-8080 or schedule your appointment 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, we do not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Executive Department, State of California. (2019, May 31). Proclamation on Reproductive Freedom. https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Proclamation-on-Reproductive-Freedom.pdf
- Breborowicz, G. (2001, January). Limits of fetal viability and its enhancement. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11753511/
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). Fetal Development. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, March 23). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information