An unplanned pregnancy can send anyone into a panic. We know how overwhelming it can be, but don’t let fear make any decisions for you! Make sure you get all the facts on abortion in Tennessee, so you can make an informed and empowered decision!
In this article, we’re exploring the Tennessee abortion law and the importance of ultrasounds in your unplanned pregnancy journey!
What are the Abortion Laws in Tennessee? Is Abortion Legal in Tennessee?
At the time of writing (May 2023), abortion is illegal at any point in pregnancy in Tennessee.
Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?
You may be wondering why you’d want an ultrasound, especially if you’re thinking about terminating the pregnancy. The answer is that ultrasounds provide the insight needed to make an informed and empowered decision for an unplanned pregnancy! They determine if your pregnancy is viable, which is crucial to know when making a pregnancy decision.
What is Pregnancy Viability?
A viable pregnancy means that the pregnancy is progressing properly. For example, at about six weeks, the embryo should have a heartbeat[1]. The goal is to rule out a nonviable pregnancy, such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
What is Miscarriage?
A miscarriage is a pregnancy that ends on its own before the 20th week[2]. If you aren’t showing any signs of infection, you can choose to let the miscarriage progress naturally. You can also choose to speed up the process through medical or surgical treatment[3].
What is Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside of the uterus, such as in the fallopian tube, in the abdominal cavity, or on an ovary. This type of pregnancy can’t proceed normally and is a serious medical emergency. The fertilized egg can’t survive and may need to be surgically removed to prevent a rupture in the affected area[4].
Abortion isn’t needed in the case of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. If your ultrasound determines that your pregnancy isn’t viable, you can move forward with the appropriate medical care. Consider receiving a free ultrasound at Choices Resource Center! Our compassionate trained staff will help you explore all of your pregnancy options, so you can make the best choice for your health and future!
Free Ultrasounds in Oak Ridge, TN
No matter where you are in your unplanned pregnancy journey, you aren’t alone! Our trained staff is here to provide the support and vital information needed to make an informed decision.
Don’t wait to get the care you deserve! Give us a call at (865) 483-0099 or schedule your appointment online today.
Please be aware that this article is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Our limited ultrasound examination is strictly for the purposes of confirming your pregnancy, detecting fetal cardiac activity, and estimating gestational age. We cannot diagnose any medical problems you may be experiencing, pregnancy-related or otherwise.
Sources
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, September 3). Slide Show: Fetal Ultrasound. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/multimedia/fetal-ultrasound/sls-20076294?s=3#
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, October 16). Miscarriage. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021a, October 16). Miscarriage: Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354304
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, March 12). Ectopic Pregnancy. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088