Mifepristone medical abortion in Albania: results from a pilot clinical research study

Abstract

Objective: To explore the acceptability and feasibility of introducing mifepristone-misoprostol for early medical abortion in home and clinic settings in Albania.

Methods: This was a prospective study testing a simplified mifepristone-misoprostol regimen in two tertiary-level government health facilities in Tirana, Albania. Women (n = 409) with amenorrhea of 8 weeks or less received 200 mg mifepristone in the clinic and then chose whether to take 400 microg of oral misoprostol 2 days later either at home or in the clinic.

Results: Nearly 97% of women successfully terminated their pregnancies using the simplified regimen. Almost all women found the method either satisfactory (49.4%) or highly satisfactory (41.1%). Almost all women who were given the option selected the home use protocol. Women choosing home administration of misoprostol were able to manage the medical abortion process on their own.

Conclusion: A reduced dose mifepristone medical abortion regimen with home administration of misoprostol is feasible for introduction into healthcare facilities in Albania.