4. MEDICATION ABORTION

^{Updated June 2020, by Montida Fleming MD and Stephanie Long MD}

Medication abortion (medical abortion, or MAB) provides a safe, effective method of pregnancy termination whose use is increasing in the U.S. and globally. It can be offered in diverse settings without special equipment. This process allows for significant patient autonomy with appropriate education and follow-up as needed.

CHAPTER LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this chapter you should be better able to:

• Evaluate patients prior to medication abortion
• Effectively counsel patients regarding medication abortion
• Discuss criteria for needing additional follow-up

READING / RESOURCES

• NAF Clinical Practice Guidelines – Early Medication Abortion (NAF CPG 2020)
• Medical Management of First-Trimester Abortion. (SFP Clinical Guidelines 2014)
• Ipas Clinical Updates in Reproductive Health: Medication Abortion. (Ipas 2020)
• Mifepristone manufacturer websites (with on-call networks)
• Danco and GenBioPro
• Additional helpful resources for providers and patients:
• RHAP Provider Abortion Resources
• RHAP Patient Resource: Sam’s Medication Abortion Zine
• Euki App – a private, unbiased Sexual and Reproductive Health App
• WHO Medical Management of Abortion

VIDEOS