Do I need an Ultrasound before an Abortion?

March 14, 2013
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You may be thinking, “I’ve already had a positive pregnancy test and I’ve made up my mind to have an abortion. Why would I need an ultrasound first?” 


It’s important for you to know that a pregnancy test is only an indication that you may be pregnant. No matter what option you’re considering, an ultrasound is important as it’s the only way to determine if a pregnancy is viable, meaning the pregnancy has developed in the uterus, (and not ectopic), and if there’s a heartbeat. In addition, it would tell you how far along you are which is important to determine which type of abortion procedure can be done.



At Collage, we can provide a free limited OB ultrasound to determine if your pregnancy is viable. If it isn’t, you can avoid the financial cost and any potential emotional or physical consequences that can be associated with abortion. Remember, you have time to get all the facts before rushing into anything. We’re here to provide a safe place for you to process this big decision – no matter what. 

August 11, 2026
If your girlfriend is facing an unexpected pregnancy and considering the abortion pill, you're probably wondering about costs and whether insurance will cover it. Before considering the abortion pill, it’s vital that your girlfriend receives an ultrasound. We offer these at no cost with no insurance necessary. She can schedule a free, confidential appointment online at Collage. Can Your Insurance Cover Her? Health insurance covers the policyholder and enrolled dependents. A girlfriend typically isn't a covered dependent on your plan, which means your insurance generally won't pay for her medical care. The exception is if she's been added to your plan as a domestic partner and your employer allows that. Additionally, you may be able to extend insurance coverage to her after marriage if your policy allows this as a qualifying event. However, the chances of insurance covering an elective abortion are unlikely. What About Her Own Insurance in Nebraska? Under Nebraska law , standard health insurance plans in the state cannot cover elective abortion unless the insured purchases a separate abortion rider. Medicaid in Nebraska covers abortion only in limited circumstances. In most cases, the abortion pill in Nebraska will be an out-of-pocket cost. What She Should Know About the Drug The abortion pill uses two drugs. The first, mifepristone , blocks progesterone, a hormone required to sustain the pregnancy. The second, misoprostol , taken a day or two later, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue. The FDA approves this drug regimen through 10 weeks of gestation. Nebraska law also requires that the abortion pill be prescribed and administered in person by a physician. Complications can include heavy bleeding, infection , incomplete abortion, and digestive system discomfort. If the drug does not fully end the pregnancy, a follow-up procedure might be required. Getting the Facts First A free ultrasound at Collage confirms your girlfriend’s gestational age, whether the pregnancy is in the uterus, and whether the pregnancy is progressing. An ectopic pregnancy (when the pregnancy implants outside the uterus) requires different medical treatment than abortion, and could be life-threatening if left untreated. An ultrasound can rule out this complication. Schedule a free, confidential appointment at Collage today. Call: 308.234.9880 in Kearney or 308.675.2217 in Grand Island. *All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing. **Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.
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