If you think you are pregnant and are looking into your options, your first step is to confirm your pregnancy with an ultrasound. An ultrasound will give you and your provider the information necessary to determine your eligibility for various options.
Ultrasounds provide three pieces of crucial information in determining your safety and eligibility.
Viability
An ultrasound is necessary after a positive pregnancy test to determine if the woman’s body is accepting the pregnancy. According to The Mayo clinic, between 10-20% of pregnancies end in natural miscarriage. Some medical studies show that number to be as high as 25%. Often, miscarrying pregnancies will still return positive pregnancy test results. Performing an ultrasound is the only way to accurately detect a miscarriage, which would make an abortion procedure unnecessary. .
Date
The FDA has approved the medication used in the abortion pill for up to 10 weeks. An ultrasound can date your pregnancy and determine if you are eligible based on the length of time you have been pregnant.
Location
Women with ectopic pregnancies are not eligible for the abortion pill. In an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo attaches and grows outside the uterus. This is a life-threatening condition for the woman. Still, since the abortion pill only works within the uterus, the abortion pill is an ineffective treatment for ectopic pregnancy and must be addressed with a different procedure. An ultrasound can locate the embryo or fetus to determine its location.
Other Eligibility Factors
In addition to the viability, date, and location of a pregnancy determining eligibility for the abortion pill, other situations cause a woman to be ineligible for the abortion pill, including women who:
- Have a blood clotting disorder or significant anemia
- Have chronic adrenal failure
- Use long-term corticosteroids
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Have an allergy to the medications used
- Do not have access to emergency care
- Can’t return for a follow-up visit
It is imperative that a woman seeking the abortion pill first obtain a physical and report her medical history so her provider can determine her eligibility.
We Can Help
Contact Ivy Women’s Center for a no-cost ultrasound to provide more insight into your eligibility for the abortion pill. If you are still considering your options, our advocates can provide the information you need to make an informed decision about your reproductive health.