Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

March 12, 2026

If you’re considering abortion, especially if that means traveling out of state, it’s important to pause and gather accurate medical information first. Abortion is prohibited in Arkansas unless deemed necessary to save the woman’s life during a medical emergency, so if you’re considering an out-of-state option, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your health before deciding.

An at-home test or basic pregnancy test provides limited details. Before making travel arrangements, you need to know exactly what is happening with your pregnancy.

At Elevate Women’s Center, we provide medical-grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound services so you can receive essential information before taking your next step.

Call or text us at (479) 487-2456 or schedule an appointment today.

More Than a Positive Result

Seeing two lines on a test can feel definitive, but it only shows that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a pregnancy hormone, is present. It does not provide medical details about what is happening or what health factors need to be considered.

Before scheduling an abortion appointment, these important questions need to be answered:

• Is the pregnancy located inside the uterus?
• Is there measurable development?
• What is the current gestational age?

An ultrasound gives this information so you are not making medical decisions based on assumptions.

When Location Becomes a Medical Concern

In about 2% of known pregnancies, the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy and most often occurs in a fallopian tube. Because a fallopian tube is not designed to support a growing pregnancy, it can rupture, leading to internal bleeding that requires emergency care.

If you were to seek an abortion without first identifying the pregnancy’s location, a condition like this could remain undiscovered. Abortion drugs do not treat an ectopic pregnancy, which requires prompt medical intervention. An ultrasound helps identify whether the pregnancy is intrauterine or if urgent medical evaluation is necessary.

Evaluating Ongoing Development

Pregnancy loss in the early weeks is common, occurring in approximately 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies. Hormone levels may stay elevated for a period of time even after a miscarriage, which means a positive test does not automatically indicate ongoing development.

Ultrasound imaging looks for physical indicators of progression, including fetal heartbeat. If the pregnancy has already ended, abortion would not be a consideration, and the focus would shift to any needed follow-up care.

Timing and Increased Risk

Knowing your exact gestational age beforehand is essential. Abortion pills are FDA-approved for use only through 10 weeks of pregnancy. Use beyond this timeframe is associated with a higher risk of complications, including incomplete abortion and heavy bleeding that may require additional medical treatment.

Ultrasound imaging provides a more precise estimate than relying solely on cycle dates.

STD Testing for Abortion-Minded Clients

For pregnant women considering abortion, Elevate Women’s Center also provides STD testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea as part of the pre-abortion screening. Undiagnosed infections can increase health risks, particularly when undergoing medical procedures.

This service is available for pregnant women who are considering abortion, so their health can be evaluated before any procedure.

Take the Next Step

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you are welcome to bring your boyfriend for support. Before arranging travel or finalizing an abortion appointment, consider a medical-grade pregnancy test and a limited ultrasound at Elevate Women’s Center.

We are here to walk alongside you and talk through your options as you consider your next step. Reach out to book a free and confidential appointment.

Elevate Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.