Pre-Abortion Screenings
Here’s what to know before you schedule an abortion.
What is a pre-abortion screening?
A pre-abortion screening confirms pregnancy viability. If you are considering a medical abortion, chemical abortion, or surgical abortion, or if you are looking for more information about RU486, Plan C, or missed period pills, we can help you better understand your options.
Confirm that you are pregnant.
As you consider options for your pregnancy, confirm that you are in fact pregnant. Pregnancy tests can produce a false result if taken too early and cannot account for other medical issues, such as an ectopic pregnancy that is forming outside of the uterus. Our medical team can talk you through your pregnancy test or, if you haven’t taken a test but think you might be pregnant, help you know the best time to take a test.
AWPC provides free, lab-grade pregnancy tests. Results are ready within minutes, and a member of our medical team can talk through the results with you.
Confirm that your pregnancy is viable.
A positive pregnancy test does not ensure that a pregnancy is viable. Roughly 33% of pregnancies do not carry to term, and about 1 to 2% of pregnancies are ectopic pregnancies. An ultrasound confirms that there is both a fetal heartbeat and that the pregnancy is in the uterus. If a member of our medical team cannot confirm that the pregnancy is in the uterus or determines that the pregnancy is not viable, we will refer you for follow-up care.
Ultrasounds also provide the gestational age of the pregnancy, which is more accurate than period dating - especially if your periods are irregular. At your appointment, we will measure the gestational age of your pregnancy, which will determine your eligibility for certain types of abortions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Before you make a decision, be sure that you have all the facts. AWPC does not profit from your choice. We provide medically sound information about abortion. We will also give you information about adoption and parenting resources.
At your appointment, we will offer you information on all your options so you can make the best decision for you. We are here to listen and to help. -
AWPC does not provide or refer for abortions. We are a nonprofit organization and provide all services at no cost to our clients. We have no financial stake in your decision.
Sources:
Stevenson MM, Radcliffe KW. Preventing pelvic infection after abortion. Int J STD AIDS. 1995;6(5):305-312. doi:10.1177/095646249500600501
Detailed STI facts – pelvic inflammatory disease – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fact sheets. https://www.cdc.gov/sti/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/std/pid/stdfact-pid-detailed.htm. Published July 22, 2021. Accessed August 2, 2022.
Ectopic pregnancy. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372093. Published March 12, 2022. Accessed August 2, 2022.
Dugas C, Slane VH. Miscarriage . National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532992/. Published June 27, 2022. Accessed August 2, 2022.
Clinical Practice Handbook for Safe Abortion. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2014. 1, PRE-ABORTION. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK190097/