Facing an unexpected pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to let fear guide your decisions. Getting accurate information about your options, including the role of an ultrasound before abortion, is key to making an informed and empowered choice.
At ICU Mobile, we’re here to provide the support and clarity you need during this time. This article explores PA’s abortion laws and why an ultrasound before abortion is a critical step in your pregnancy journey.
Does PA Require Me to Get an Ultrasound Before Abortion?
Currently, abortion is legal in Pennsylvania through the 23rd week of pregnancy. Exceptions can be made if the health of the pregnant woman is in danger. If you qualify for an abortion in Pennsylvania, you are required to receive an ultrasound beforehand.[2]
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 procedure 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 navigate your state’s abortion laws and explore 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. This is important to know, as 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 procedures 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 procedure 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.
ICU Mobile offers free mobile ultrasounds, no insurance required. Click the buttons below to get started.
Considering the Abortion Pill in Monaca, PA? Get the Facts at ICU Mobile.
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.
Our mobile medical clinics offer free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, and a safe, compassionate space to explore your pregnancy options.
Give us a call at 412-248-7353 or schedule your appointment online to get started.
All services are free and confidential!
Please be aware that ICU Mobile does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Pennsylvania General Assembly. House Bill 26. (2025, January 8). https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb26
- KFF. (2025, February). State Ultrasound Requirements in Abortion Procedure. https://www.kff.org/state-health-policy-data/state-indicator/ultrasound-requirements/?currentTimeframe=0&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D
- 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
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