Ultrasound Importance

Is Abortion Legal in
South Carolina?

Currently, South Carolina law generally prohibits abortion once a fetal heartbeat has been detected.1 Exceptions include certain medical emergencies and fatal fetal anomalies. In cases of rape or incest, an abortion may be performed if the probable gestational age is no more than 12 weeks.1

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A woman searching on her phone "Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?"

Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?

You may be wondering why you’d want an ultrasound, especially if you’re considering abortion. An ultrasound can provide important information to help you make an informed and empowered decision about an unexpected pregnancy. It can provide information about two important aspects of your pregnancy: viability and gestational age.

What is Pregnancy Viability?

In early pregnancy, an ultrasound can provide information about whether the pregnancy appears to be developing as expected. Depending on how far along the pregnancy is, an ultrasound may detect cardiac activity.2

This is important information because some pregnancies end naturally in miscarriage.3 An ultrasound can also help determine whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus. A small number of pregnancies develop outside the uterus, which is known as an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening and requires medical evaluation and treatment. The medications used for a medication abortion do not treat an ectopic pregnancy.4

What is Gestational Age?

Gestational age refers to how far along you are in your pregnancy. Knowing your gestational age is important because mifepristone, one of the medications used in a medication abortion, is FDA-approved for use through 10 weeks gestation (70 days or less since the first day of your last menstrual period).5 If you’re considering traveling out of state for an abortion, be aware that abortion laws and gestational limits vary by state.

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 important information to help you 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 intended to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Our limited ultrasound examination is provided strictly for the purposes of confirming your pregnancy, detecting fetal cardiac activity, and estimating gestational age. It is not intended to diagnose medical conditions, whether pregnancy-related or otherwise.

Sources

  1. South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 44, Chapter 41, Sections 44-41-630–660. South Carolina Legislature.
    https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t44c041.php  
  2. Fetal Development. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, March 19).  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth 
  3.  Miscarriage – Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. (2026, August 22). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
  4. Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
  5. Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information