Why Pregnancy Duration Matters When Choosing a Safe Abortion Method
Finding out about an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy can bring many questions, particularly about what options are available and which method may be appropriate. One factor that plays an important role in abortion care is the duration of the pregnancy. Pregnancy duration, often referred to as gestational age, helps a qualified healthcare professional understand which abortion methods may be suitable and what type of medical care may be required. The method is not selected based on pregnancy duration alone, however. A person's health, medical history, symptoms, and the location of the pregnancy may also need to be considered. What Does Pregnancy Duration Mean? Gestational age refers to how far a pregnancy has progressed. Healthcare professionals generally estimate it using information such as the date of the last menstrual period and, when needed, ultrasound assessment. Accurate dating is particularly important when deciding which abortion options may be appropriate. Because the av...