Outpatient medical abortion is safe and effective through 70 days gestation

Abstract

Data show that an outpatient regimen of 200-mg mifepristone followed by a single dose of misoprostol is safe and effective for medical abortion for up to 70 days from last menstrual period (LMP). Yet, many clinics only provide services up to 63 days LMP, and some practice guidelines do not recommend the higher gestational age limit. We review the studies published to date that include women 64 to 70 days LMP and conclude that outpatient medical abortion is safe and effective in this interval and that there are no clinically meaningful differences between outcomes at 57 to 63 days LMP and 64 to 70 days LMP. Updating clinical protocols and revising the Food and Drug administration label for Mifeprex® to change the indication for termination of pregnancies through 70 days LMP will give women more choices and expand access to safe abortion services.