If you are pregnant and considering abortion, A Woman’s Choice is a community clinic offering safe, caring, and confidential education and medical testing 100% free of charge.
Why do I need an ultrasound if I want an abortion?
The abortion pill is available in Florida for women only up until 10 weeks of pregnancy (42 days since the start of your last period). In extreme cases, surgical abortion is legal up until the 15th week of pregnancy in Florida.*
Medical professionals determine how far along your pregnancy is by calculating the length of time since the first day of your last period and confirming it with an ultrasound.
The purpose of an ultrasound is to:
- Detect fetal heartbeat
- Determine gestational age (how far along the pregnancy is)
- Detect the location of the pregnancy (pregnancies that develop outside of the uterus, known as ectopic pregnancies, can be life-threatening)
If you are considering an abortion, then eligibility, type of abortion, and cost of the procedure are all determined by how far along you are. A consultative ultrasound will provide critical information about what options are available to you. Also, if signs of a possible miscarriage are detected during your ultrasound, you may not need an abortion.
The ultrasound is your best tool to gain medical information about your pregnancy in order to make an informed choice.
When can I have an ultrasound?
Ultrasounds are scheduled according to how far along you are from the first day of your last period and may be scheduled if you have a positive pregnancy test at A Woman’s Choice.
Generally, ultrasounds are scheduled on a second appointment. However, depending on appointment availability, the medical staff will determine eligibility and if an ultrasound can be provided on the same day as your initial appointment.
What if the ultrasound shows it's too late for me to get an abortion?
If you have an unplanned pregnancy and aren’t sure what to do, we are here for you. If you learn your pregnancy is outside Florida’s legal limits for abortion, we are still here for you. We will help you explore your options and provide you with resources and support for your decision.
A Woman’s Choice also offers support for those who carry through their pregnancy by providing free parenting classes, baby and maternity supplies, and other helpful resources.
*For more information on abortion laws and requirements, visit our Abortion Laws and Requirements page.
What Our Clients Have to Say
I just want to say I love your staff's promise of privacy and confidentiality. It's reassuring to know that we women can go to a place such as yours and feel confident that our information will be kept private and not have to worry about our personal information being disclosed.
Isabell
Loved the experience from the start! Very welcoming environment and heartwarming customer service. Definitely recommend!
Amber
Super friendly and very informative. I thought it had a very homey (warm, caring, supportive, and safe) kind of feeling to it. The staff was extremely sweet and helpful.
Tara
At A Woman's Choice in Lakeland, my counselor was awesome. She made me feel like she knew me for years. Everyone was very supportive and positive, and I got all the help I needed. The counselors and nurses are very caring.
Alice
What to Expect at A Woman's Choice
Does A Woman’s Choice prescribe the abortion pill?
A Woman’s Choice does not provide or refer for abortions. We are a non-profit community organization that is here to offer counseling, education, and free testing to women facing unplanned pregnancies.
Can I get an abortion at A Woman's Choice?
A Woman’s Choice does not prescribe the abortion pill or refer for abortions. We are a non-profit community organization that is here to offer counseling, education, and free testing to women facing unplanned pregnancies. Learn more about our organization here.
Do you provide contraception?
A Woman’s Choice is a free community resource clinic and we do not give out contraceptives or prescriptions of any kind. However, our nurses can provide valuable information about how they function and their effectiveness.
Will my visit be confidential?
All of our services are confidential and private. When you arrive, you will be given a copy of our notice of privacy practices as outlined by federal law. We will hold in strict confidence all information provided, except as is required by law.
Do I have to bring a parent if I'm under 18?
No. There is no age requirement to receive services at A Woman’s Choice, and parental notification or permission is not required. Your visit will be 100% confidential.