[Medical abortion--the first Norwegian experiences]

Abstract

Background: Medical abortion was first introduced in Norway in April 1998. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy, side effects and acceptability of medical abortion with mifepristone and vaginally administered misoprostol in a Norwegian population.

Materials and methods: The study included the first consecutive 226 women with gestational age of < 63 days who requested non-surgical abortion in the first year at the first Norwegian hospital using this regime. All women received a single dose of mifepristone 600 mg orally followed by 800 microgram of misoprostol vaginally after 48 hours. Complications were the principal outcome measure. We also took note of side effects such as abdominal pain and bleeding and inquired about how acceptable the treatment was for the women concerned.

Results: 95 % of the women had an uncomplicated termination of their pregnancies. The side effects were few and tolerable and the method's acceptability high.

Interpretation: The combination of mifepristone and vaginally administered misoprostol is effective and safe, has few side effects, and is well accepted by Norwegian women.