Ultrasound Importance

Is Abortion Legal in
South Carolina?

Currently, abortion is illegal in South Carolina once the fetal heartbeat can be detected by an ultrasound, typically around 6 weeks of pregnancy. Exceptions can be made during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy for rape, incest, medical emergencies, or fatal fetal anomalies.1

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Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?

You may be wondering why you’d want an ultrasound, especially if you’re considering abortion. The answer is that ultrasounds provide the insight needed to make an informed and empowered decision for an unexpected pregnancy. They determine two key things about your pregnancy: viability and gestational age.

What is Pregnancy Viability?

A viable pregnancy means that, in the early stages, growth and development are progressing as expected. For example, after about 6 weeks gestation, the embryo’s heartbeat can be detected by an ultrasound.2

This is critical information because a significant number of pregnancies end on their own in miscarriage.3 The ultrasound also can show if the pregnancy is inside the uterus. A small number of pregnancies form outside the uterus, known as ectopic pregnancy. Not only can ectopic pregnancies be life-threatening, but the abortion pill doesn’t treat them4—in either case, abortion is no longer an option to consider.

What is Gestational Age?

Gestational age refers to how far along you are in your pregnancy. It’s important to know your gestational age since the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period.5 If you’re considering traveling out of state for an abortion, be aware that the surrounding areas may have gestational age limitations as well.

Free Ultrasounds in Columbia, South Carolina

No matter where you are in your unexpected pregnancy journey, you aren’t alone. Our ultrasound-trained personnel are here to provide the support and vital information needed to make an informed decision.

Don’t wait to get the care you deserve! Call us at 803-771-6634 or schedule your appointment online today.

Request an Appointment
A woman smiling becasue she knows at Daybreak LifeCare Center she can get a Free Ultrasound in Columbia, South Carolina

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.

Sources

  1. Bill 474: Abortion – Fetal Heartbeat. South Carolina Legislature. (2024, March 12). https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess125_2023-2024/bills/474.htm
  2. Fetal Development. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth 
  3. Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage – Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
  4. FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex  
  5. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2021, December 16). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information