Do You Need a Free Pre-Abortion Screening?
If you’re considering abortion for an unexpected pregnancy, getting accurate medical information first is essential. A pre-abortion screening helps protect your health by giving you the facts you need before making any decision.
At Alpha Center, we offer free pre-abortion screening in Fort Collins, CO, so you can understand your pregnancy, your health, and your options in a safe, confidential setting. Our goal is to provide you with clear, honest medical information, so you can move forward with confidence.
What is a Pre-Abortion Screening?
A pre-abortion screening is a medical evaluation that gives you important information about your pregnancy and your health before as you consider whether or not to have an abortion.
There are a few essential questions to answer before you schedule an abortion or take the abortion pill.
1. Are you confident that you’re pregnant?
Experts have determined that as many as 26% of pregnancies end in a miscarriage. It is also possible to get a false positive result on a pregnancy test.
2. How Far Along Are You?
If you are pregnant, the number of weeks you have been pregnant determines the type of abortion procedure you qualify for. Do you know exactly how far along you are in your pregnancy?
3. Is your pregnancy viable?
A positive test does not always mean the pregnancy is progressing normally. An ultrasound helps determine whether the pregnancy is developing and whether a miscarriage has occurred. Nearly 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, so it’s possible you may not need an abortion.
4. Do you have an untreated STI that could cause complications?
No one wants to think about having an STI, but if you’re considering an abortion, be aware having an untreated STI at the time of an abortion can cause serious health issues. Up to 75% of STIs do not present with symptoms, and screening helps identify any infections that may affect your health or care decisions.
A pre-abortion screening aims to answer the above questions so that no matter what you choose, you are equipped with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Determining the Gestational Age
The gestational age refers to how far along a pregnancy is. This information is critical because abortion methods vary depending on how many weeks pregnant you are.
The FDA has approved the use of the abortion pill method through 10 weeks only (70 days from the first day of your last menstrual period). Others suggest not using this method past nine weeks (56 days).
After 9-10 weeks of pregnancy, the abortion pill becomes less effective and the risk of complications becomes higher.
Ultrasound is the best way to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy. Following a positive pregnancy test at Alpha Center, your nurse will determine if you qualify for a gestational dating ultrasound.
How to know if your pregnancy is viable
A viable pregnancy means that the pregnancy is growing and you have not had a miscarriage. Be aware that even if you have miscarried, it is possible to get a positive pregnancy test result days or even weeks afterward.
Taking more than one pregnancy test is important. An ultrasound can also determine if your pregnancy is viable with a detectable heartbeat or if you have miscarried.
Ruling Out Ectopic Pregnancy
Another possibility that could present a serious health risk is an ectopic pregnancy. This type of pregnancy forms somewhere other than the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes. As it grows, it can cause a life-threatening situation.
Abortion (either medical or surgical) does not treat an ectopic pregnancy and can mask the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, which can cause a delay in necessary care. Ultrasound determines the location of your pregnancy and can confirm that you do not have an ectopic pregnancy.
Why you should get tested for stis before an abortion
Without symptoms, most people put off testing for an STI. But The CDC states STIs are on the rise and up to 75% of STIs are asymptomatic, which means you can have one without knowing it. An untreated STI puts you at risk for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), HIV, or chronic pelvic pain.
What’s included in your free pre-abortion screening
At Alpha Center, your free pre-abortion screening includes:
- Medical-grade pregnancy testing
- A confidential situational assessment
- Ultrasound (if your test is positive)
- STI testing, if applicable
You will receive clear and factual medical information without pressure, allowing you to confidently decide your next steps.
Alpha Center does not perform or refer for abortion, and because of this, Alpha Center has no financial interest in your decision. Pre-abortion Screenings provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you.
Telehealth pre-abortion screening option
We also offer telehealth pre-abortion screening for those who prefer to begin their visit remotely.
During your telehealth appointment, a nurse will:
- Review your medical history
- Discuss your concerns
- Explain what to expect
- Answer your questions
The pregnancy testing and ultrasound portions of your screening will then be scheduled for an abbreviated in-person visit after your telehealth appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in a pre-abortion screening?
A pre-abortion screening is designed to provide essential health information before a medical procedure and aid you in the decision making process. At Alpha Center, this free screening includes a situational assessment, a lab-quality pregnancy test, a gestational dating ultrasound (if the test is positive), and testing for STIs/STDs.
Why do I need an ultrasound before getting an abortion?
An ultrasound is necessary to confirm three critical factors:
Viability: To ensure you have not already miscarried, as nearly 1 in 4 pregnancies end naturally.
Gestational Age: To determine how many weeks pregnant you are, which dictates whether you qualify for the abortion pill or require a surgical procedure.
Location: To rule out an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus), which is life-threatening and cannot be treated by abortion.
How far along can you be to take the abortion pill?
The FDA has approved the use of the abortion pill (medical abortion) through 10 weeks of pregnancy (70 days from the first day of your last period). Using the abortion pill past the recommended timeframe increases the risk of an incomplete abortion and severe infection.
Do I need an STI test before having an abortion?
Yes. It is vital to be tested because many STIs (up to 75%) are asymptomatic. Having an untreated STI at the time of an abortion can lead to serious health complications, such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) or chronic pelvic pain.
Can I get a positive pregnancy test if I’ve had a miscarriage?
Yes, it is possible to receive a positive pregnancy test result for days or even weeks after a miscarriage has occurred. This is why a clinical ultrasound is recommended to confirm if a pregnancy is still viable.
Are telehealth appointments available for pre-abortion screenings?
Yes. Alpha Center offers telehealth options where a nurse can perform a medical assessment and provide information virtually. Following the telehealth visit, an abbreviated in-person appointment is scheduled for the pregnancy test and ultrasound.
How much does a pre-abortion screening cost?
At Alpha Center, pre-abortion screenings—including pregnancy testing and ultrasounds—are provided free of charge. Because we do not perform or refer for abortions, we have no financial interest in your decision and focus solely on providing the health information you need.
Can a pre-abortion screening tell me if my pregnancy is viable?
Yes. A screening can help determine whether your pregnancy appears to be developing as expected and inside the uterus.
Do I need a pre-abortion screening before an abortion?
While it may not be legally required in Colorado, a pre-abortion screening is strongly recommended to protect your health. It helps determine how far along you are, can show whether or not a pregnancy is developing normally inside the uterus, and identify any health concerns that could affect your safety.