Advantages and disadvantages of peri-abortion ultrasonography

Ultrasonography remains an important component of abortion care, as it does in early pregnancy in general. We propose that selective use of ultrasonography, in line with World Health Organization recommendations, allows clinicians and services to maximise the advantages of peri-abortion ultrasound while minimising the impact of the disadvantages of the technology. Patient preferences should be prioritised where possible and safe to do so. Lay Summary Ultrasound scanning before, during, or after an abortion can be helpful to guide patient care. However, using this for all patients in all scenarios can lead to problems with inappropriate diagnosis or over diagnosis of conditions and complications. We recommend that use of ultrasound scanning is done only when needed and guided by evidence-based guidelines and protocols, in line with the World Health Organization.