Ultrasound Importance

Is Abortion Legal in North Carolina?

Currently, abortion is legal in North Carolina, only under certain circumstances[1]: 
  • Up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, only when performed by a North Carolina-licensed qualified physician. 
  • Up to 20 weeks of pregnancy, only when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. 
  • Up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, only if a qualified physician determines that the fetus has a life-limiting anomaly.
Exceptions can be made past 24 weeks in cases of medical emergencies. You are also required to receive an ultrasound prior to any abortion in North Carolina[1].

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 unplanned pregnancy! They determine two key things about your pregnancy: viability and gestational age.

What is Pregnancy Viability?

A viable pregnancy means that the pregnancy is progressing properly. For example, at about eleven weeks gestation, the embryo should have a detectable heartbeat[2]. The goal is to rule out a nonviable pregnancy, such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy—in either case, abortion isn’t needed.

What is Gestational Age?

How far along am I? Your ultrasound can answer that question! It’s important to know how far along you are (also known as your gestational age), as you can’t take the abortion pill past 10 weeks of pregnancy[3].

Consider receiving a free ultrasound at Women’s Life Center! If your ultrasound determines that you’re too far along to take the abortion pill, our compassionate client advocates will help you explore all of your pregnancy options, so you can make the best choice for your health and future! This service will be available soon at our location.

Free Ultrasounds in Brunswick County

& Surrounding Counties, NC

This service will be available soon at our location. No matter where you are in your unplanned 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.

Don’t wait to get the care you deserve! Give us a call at 910-512-5361 or schedule your appointment online today.

Schedule an Appointment

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. Moore, J. (2023, May 31). North Carolina’s Pending Abortion Legislation. Coates’ Canons NC Local Government Law. https://canons.sog.unc.edu/2023/05/north-carolinas-pending-abortion-legislation/ 
  2. Valenti, O., Di Prima, F. A. F., Renda, E., Faraci, M., Hyseni, E., De Domenico, R., Monte, S., & Giorgio, E. (2011, July). Fetal cardiac function during the first trimester of pregnancy. Journal of Prenatal Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3279166/ 
  3. 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