Current medical abortion care

Abstract

Medical abortion using mifepristone and a prostaglandin analogue is a highly effective option for early abortion. Since the clinical introduction of mifepristone to the world in 1988, millions of women have had the opportunity to have a safe abortion without primary surgical intervention. The standard method of providing medical abortion has evolved through well-done studies to develop regimens that decrease cost and time to abortion. Currently, mifepristone with misoprostol is the most widely used medical abortion regimen. The most effective option available involves mifepristone 200 mg followed at least 24 hours later by misoprostol 800 microg vaginally. Women can self-administer the misoprostol, with complete abortion rates exceeding 95%. Researchers continue to refine the available regimens to improve outcomes and acceptability.