Self-managed medication abortion in South Korea: A retrospective records review of the uptake of medication abortion through online telemedicine prior to decriminalization

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the uptake of medication abortion through online telemedicine in South Korea prior to decriminalization of abortion beginning in 2019.

Study design: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional analysis of medication abortion consultations submitted to Women on Web, an online telemedicine service, from South Korea between 2013 and 2019.

Results: The uptake of medication abortion through Women on Web increased every year between 2013 and 2019, adding up to 12,115 consultations across 7 years. The median age was 25 and the median gestational age was 37 days. Individuals reported financial constraints (66.2%) as the most common reason for wanting an abortion. This was followed by not wanting a child at this point (64.7%) and wanting to finish school (34.6%).

Conclusions: This study illustrates the uptake of medication abortions via Women on Web between 2013 and 2019, prior to decriminalization of abortion in South Korea.

Implications: This study attests to the use of online telemedicine for medication abortion, despite the legal restrictions prior to decriminalization of abortion in South Korea.

Keywords: Abortion pills; Medication abortion; South Korea; Telemedicine.