Community-generated resource library-Medical abortion with mifepristone and vaginal misoprostol between 64 and 70 days' gestation

Medical abortion with mifepristone and vaginal misoprostol between 64 and 70 days' gestation

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The study examined the effectiveness and safety of medical abortion using mifepristone and vaginal misoprostol for pregnancies between 64 and 70 days of gestation. Conducted at British Pregnancy Advisory Service clinics in England and Wales, the analysis involved a comprehensive review of 2,673 cases, excluding those lacking medical records or proper follow-up. The treatment protocol included an oral dose of mifepristone followed 24–48 hours later by a vaginal dose of misoprostol.<br /><br />Key findings reveal that 94.9% of women experienced a successful abortion without surgical intervention. Only a small percentage, 5.1%, faced treatment failure due to continuing pregnancy, retained nonviable pregnancy, or incomplete abortion. Significant adverse events were rare, occurring in 1.3% of cases, with minor complications such as pelvic infections and the need for transfusions infrequently reported. Most women elected to have medical rather than surgical interventions once the outpatient service was offered.<br /><br />The study supports the idea that medical abortion up to 70 days of gestation is effective and carries low risks of serious complications, facilitating its provision on an outpatient basis. Additionally, the adoption of this regimen significantly increased access to medical abortion services beyond 63 days of gestation, demonstrating feasibility without mandatory in-person follow-up visits. This finding aligns with global practices where mifepristone and misoprostol are frequently used for early-term abortions, further validating the safety and efficacy of the procedure within the specified gestational window. These data support outpatient management as a viable and accessible option for women seeking medical abortion at this gestational age.

Keywords

medical abortion

mifepristone

vaginal misoprostol

gestation 64-70 days

British Pregnancy Advisory Service

successful abortion

treatment failure

adverse events

outpatient basis

global practices