Can You Take The Abortion Pill Without an Ultrasound?

If you’re considering the abortion pill, you may wonder why an ultrasound matters first. When you’re facing big decisions, you want to know what’s necessary and what’s not. But an ultrasound isn’t just another medical step. It’s a vital part of protecting your health and safety.

An ultrasound shows how far along your pregnancy is and where it’s located in your body. That information matters because it helps confirm whether the abortion pill is a safe option for you.

Finding the Fetus

Abortion pills are typically approved for use in early pregnancy, usually up to 10 weeks (or 70 days) from the first day of your last menstrual period.¹

However, the ultrasound does much more than date your pregnancy. It also checks whether your pregnancy is developing inside the uterus. In some cases, the pregnancy grows outside the uterus—a condition known as an ectopic pregnancy. Abortion pills cannot treat this, and leaving it untreated can be life-threatening.

So while it may feel like an extra step, getting an ultrasound is actually one of the most important ways to protect your health and peace of mind. CHOICES provides an options discussion where we can talk about the importance of ultrasound timing, helping to schedule a scan for the right time while deciding whether to take the abortion pill.

How the Abortion Pill Works

A medication abortion, also known as the abortion pill, typically involves two medications—mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which your body needs to maintain a pregnancy.
Misoprostol, taken later, causes the uterus to contract and empty.

This process is usually used within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. But not all positive pregnancy tests confirm a viable pregnancy. Around 10%–20% of known pregnancies end naturally in miscarriage.² An ultrasound helps confirm whether the pregnancy is still developing and not ectopic.³

Knowing how far along you are—and whether the pregnancy is viable—plays a major role in both the safety and effectiveness of abortion pills. That’s why an ultrasound is so important before taking them.

When Not to Use the Abortion Pill

The abortion pill is not safe for everyone. Certain health conditions, allergies, or medications can make this method unsafe. Only a qualified healthcare provider can determine whether it’s right for you.

Skipping this step or choosing medication abortion without medical supervision increases risks that can affect your physical and emotional well-being.

Assessing Risks and Considerations

Abortion is a deeply personal decision, and it’s okay to acknowledge the mix of emotions that come with it. While many see the abortion pill as a simple solution, it still carries risks.

Possible complications can include:

Incomplete abortion
Heavy or prolonged bleeding
Infection
Rare but serious health emergencies

Without an ultrasound, those risks increase. An ultrasound confirms that your pregnancy is not ectopic and that it falls within the timeframe when medication abortion can be used safely.

It also helps you make an informed choice about what’s best for your body and your future.

Get Help Determining Your Options

If you’re unsure what to do next, you don’t have to figure it out alone. At CHOICES, caring nurses and advocates provide free, confidential care—including pregnancy testing and ultrasounds—to help you understand all your options.

You deserve to make a decision with clarity, confidence, and support. Every woman’s situation is unique, and your safety and peace of mind come first here.

Sources

1. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation

2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes

3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy