Prevalence, attitudes and knowledge of misoprostol for self-induction of abortion in women presenting for abortion at Midwestern reproductive health clinics.
Courtney KerestesKelsey SheetsColleen K StockdaleAbbey J Hardy-FairbanksPublished in: Sexual and reproductive health matters (2020)
In the setting of increasing restrictions to legal abortion in the United States, reports have emerged of self-induced termination of pregnancies with misoprostol, obtained without a prescription or provider. This study seeks to describe the prevalence of women seeking or employing misoprostol for self-induced abortion, and how they access information. In a cross-sectional study of women immediately following their abortion at three reproductive health clinics in the Midwestern United States, an anonymous survey queried gestational age, barriers, online investigation about self-induction and opinions concerning the availability of medical abortion. From June to September 2016, 276 women participated out of 437 presenting to the clinics during the study period. One hundred and ninety-one (74.6%) women had investigated abortion options online, and of those, 58 (30.9%) investigated misoprostol online, for home use. Women who investigated online options were less likely to have had a prior abortion than those who did not investigate online (29.3% vs. 63.1%, p < .01). They were also more likely to report prior home attempts to end this pregnancy (8.6% vs. 0%, p = .05). Overall, four (1.6%) of the respondents purchased misoprostol and three (1.2%) used it. A majority of women seeking an abortion sought online information prior to their clinic appointment, and almost a third of those had investigated misoprostol for home use. Women are accessing information regarding misoprostol for self-induction of abortion on the Internet. As barriers to legal abortion increase, women may be more likely to self-induce abortion.
Keyphrases
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- pregnancy outcomes
- health information
- healthcare
- primary care
- cervical cancer screening
- gestational age
- risk factors
- pregnant women
- breast cancer risk
- adipose tissue
- insulin resistance
- emergency department
- high resolution
- cross sectional
- birth weight
- atomic force microscopy
- body mass index
- physical activity
- diabetic rats
- weight gain
- adverse drug
- high speed