Ultrasound  Importance

Is Abortion Legal in
Iowa?

At the time of writing (March 2025), abortion is illegal in Iowa after cardiac activity can be detected by an ultrasound, typically around 6 weeks of pregnancy. Exceptions can be made in cases of rape, incest, or when abortion is considered necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman. To qualify for an exception, people must report the rape resulting in pregnancy within 45 days to law enforcement or a public health agency or doctor, and within 140 for cases of incest.[1]

 

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A woman searching on her phone "Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?"

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 three key things about your pregnancy:

  1. Implantation Site: Confirms the pregnancy is located within the uterus, ruling out ectopic pregnancies.​
  2. Fetal Heartbeat: Detects cardiac activity, providing information of the pregnancy’s viability.​
  3. Gestational Age Assessment: Measures the embryo or fetus to estimate developmental progress. ​

 

What is Pregnancy Viability?

A viable pregnancy means that, in the early stages, growth and development are progressing as expected. For example, after about 6 weeks gestation, the embryo’s heartbeat can be detected by an ultrasound[2].

This is critical information because a significant number of pregnancies end on their own in miscarriage[3]. The ultrasound also can show if the pregnancy is inside the uterus. A small number of pregnancies form outside the uterus, known as ectopic pregnancy. Not only can ectopic pregnancies be life-threatening, but the abortion pill doesn’t treat them[4]—in either case, abortion is no longer an option to consider.

What is Gestational Age?

Gestational age refers to how far along you are in your pregnancy. It’s important to know your gestational age) since the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period[5]. If you’re considering traveling out of state for an abortion, be aware that the surrounding areas may have gestational age limitations as well.

Consider receiving a free ultrasound at Clarity Clinic. 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.

Free Ultrasounds in
Dubuque, Iowa

No matter where you are in your unplanned pregnancy journey, you aren’t alone. Our ultrasound-trained personnel are here to provide the support and vital information needed to make an informed decision.

Don’t wait to get the care you deserve! Call us at 563-556-5250 or schedule your appointment online today.

A woman smiling because she knows Clarity Clinic offers Free Ultrasounds in Dubuque, Iowa

Sources

  1. Chapter 146C. Abortion — Detectable Fetal Heartbeat. The Iowa Legislature. (2024, November 19). https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/146C.pdf
  2. Fetal Development. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth 
  3. Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage – Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
  4. FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex  
  5. 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
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