The fact that you’re asking this question means you’re already supporting your friend. Handling an unexpected pregnancy can be a difficult decision. If she’s considering an abortion, encourage her to get as much information as possible to protect her physical and emotional health.
Currently, Georgia bans abortion at around 6 weeks of pregnancy because a fetal heartbeat can be detected. The most accurate way to determine a pregnancy’s gestational age is with an ultrasound.
At First Choice Women’s Center, we offer free, limited ultrasounds after she receives a positive pregnancy test result from our center. You are welcome to join her for her appointment so she can get the information she needs.
Why Should I Encourage Her to Get an Ultrasound?
There is more your friend should know about her pregnancy before she chooses to have an abortion. A limited obstetrical ultrasound answers three critical questions:
How Far Along Is Her Pregnancy?
Knowing how far along her pregnancy is helps her determine the method of abortion she qualifies for. The FDA approves the use of mifepristone for the abortion pill method through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The drug isn’t as effective later in pregnancy.
Ultrasound determines how far along her pregnancy is. If she’s further along, she may need to consider a surgical procedure, which would require traveling. South Carolina has a 6-week ban, and Alabama completely bans abortion.
Is Her Pregnancy Developing?
Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. It is possible to get a positive pregnancy test result after a miscarriage because it takes a woman’s body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels.
If the ultrasound detects a heartbeat, she’ll know her pregnancy is developing. It also means she is at least 6 weeks pregnant. If a heartbeat isn’t discovered, it’s either too early or she has miscarried.
Where Is The Pregnancy Located?
Although rare, some pregnancies form outside the uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy. Only the uterus can hold a growing pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancies are extremely dangerous, even life-threatening. She will need to see her healthcare provider as soon as possible.
How Can First Choice Women’s Center Help Her?
First Choice offers free and confidential pregnancy services. We provide free, medical-grade pregnancy testing. If her test is positive, we’ll schedule a free, confidential, limited ultrasound.
Help protect your friend’s health and safety by recommending she receive an ultrasound before choosing abortion. Once we’ve confirmed her pregnancy, we can also review her pregnancy options. She has other choices besides abortion.
Encourage your friend to schedule an appointment today. We’re here for both of you.
First Choice Women’s Center does not perform or refer for abortion.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.