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.
This article explores Ohio’s abortion laws and why an ultrasound before abortion is a critical step in your pregnancy journey. At The Pregnancy Center of Greater Toledo, we’re here to provide the support and clarity you need during this time.
Is Abortion Legal in Ohio?
Currently, abortion is prohibited in Ohio beyond 20 weeks post-conception (or 22 weeks from the last menstrual period).[1]
Additionally, you are required to receive an ultrasound before an abortion in Ohio.
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 Ohio’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.[2]
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 Ohio, knowing your gestational age is crucial because state law prohibits abortions after 20 weeks post-conception (or 22 weeks from the last menstrual period) in most cases. Additionally, the abortion pill (mifepristone) is only FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks of gestation.[3]
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.
At The Pregnancy Center of Greater Toledo, our trained staff ensures a compassionate and supportive experience, answering any questions you may have.
Free Ultrasounds in Toledo, Ohio
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.
Don’t wait to get the care you deserve! Give us a call at 419-578-7351 or schedule your appointment today.
Please be aware that The Pregnancy Center of Greater Toledo does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
1. Court: U.S. News. (2022, December 16). Ohio Can’t Appeal Block on ‘Heartbeat’ Abortion Law. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/ohio/articles/2022-12-16/court-ohio-cant-appeal-block-on-heartbeat-abortion-law
2. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). Fetal Development. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth