Online access to abortion medications: a review of utilization and clinical outcomes

Publication date: Available online 2 July 2019Source: Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & GynaecologyAuthor(s): Margit Endler, Amanda Cleeve, Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson KAbstractWe performed a search in Pubmed and Web of Science on the self-use of abortion medication after online access. Studies published between January 1st 1995 and March 31st 2019 were considered. We included studies of online services that were (i) led by healthcare staff (n=14), (ii) led by non-healthcare staff (n=4), and (iii) providing non-interactive access (n=17). Our outcomes were utilization (frequency and demand for services), acceptability for women, safety, and success rate. Key findings: Women are increasingly using the internet to access abortion medication. Available services are of varying quality. Women accessing non-interactive services report feelings of distress related to the lack of medical guidance and the demand for interactive guidance through the abortion process is high. Women using services led by healthcare staff report high rates of satisfaction, and similar rates of clinical outcomes to in-person abortion care.

Source: Best Practice and Research Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology - July 4, 2019 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research