The overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 has created questions and confusion about abortion laws nationwide. Much information is floating around, and it can be hard to separate fact from fiction.
The confusion centers around the question of life-saving medical care for the woman. Even in states that have abortion bans in place, if a woman’s health is in danger life-saving medical care will not be denied. Currently, California does not have an abortion ban.
It’s important to understand the difference.
Some circumstances may endanger a mother’s life, and in those cases, pregnancies can legally be ended. However, these potential complications are different from abortion and require medical treatment as the pregnancy is not viable and cannot survive.
Is Care for Ectopic Pregnancies and Miscarriages the Same as Abortion?
Ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage are some of the most common pregnancy complications. Treatment for these complications is not the same as abortion.
Ectopic pregnancies are when a pregnancy develops outside of the uterus, which makes it unable to survive. Ectopic pregnancies can result in life-threatening complications for the mother and the pregnancy must be removed. This is a life-saving procedure and not considered to be an abortion.
Miscarriages are much more common than people realize, occurring in up to 20% of pregnancies worldwide, and most occur very early on in a pregnancy. A miscarriage occurs when the fetus is not developing as expected, and the pregnancy ends naturally without any treatment.
Whether a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, a woman will get the help she needs, regardless of the abortion laws in her state.
Can I Still Receive Emergency Treatment for My Pregnancy if I Visit a State with an Abortion Ban?
Suppose you find yourself pregnant and in a state that has abortion restrictions or has made abortion completely illegal. In that case, they must still provide life-saving treatment in the event of an ectopic pregnancy.
Here is a letter from the Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services that provides more information on this law, called the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA).
How Can I Protect My Health?
Speak with your physician or pregnancy clinic if you think you might be pregnant to get an early ultrasound, verify your pregnancy, assuring you are not experiencing a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. This is especially important if you are considering a medical abortion, since the abortion pill does not work in the event of an ectopic pregnancy.
Greene Pregnancy Center does not offer prenatal care, abortion services or the abortion pills, but we offer free and confidential pre-abortion consultations including clinical pregnancy testing and limited ultrasound to confirm pregnancy, and options counseling to help you understand your choices and feel confident in your decision.
Questions?
We’re here for you. Schedule a free and confidential pre-abortion consultation today to learn about your options. You are not alone.
Disclaimer: This post is for education and information purposes only and does not substitute the advice of a licensed healthcare professional. We specialize in helping those facing unintended pregnancy explore their options. We do not provide abortion services, abortion pills or prenatal care.