Studies from the USA have suggested the feasibility and acceptability of home medical abortion; however, the issue has not been addressed in the UK. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, efficacy, and acceptability of home self-administration of misoprostol for medical abortion up to 56 days’ gestation.
Mifepristone 200 mg was given orally in the hospital under nursing supervision. Women were provided with misoprostol tablets 600 μg and advised to take them sublingually 36–48 hours later.
A total of 49 women participated in this study. Of these, 48 women aborted at home, while one opted to be admitted to hospital after receiving misoprostol at home. One woman underwent surgical evacuation five weeks following abortion for excessive bleeding and retained products of conception. A total of 43/44 women were satisfied with having the abortion at home. Women’s side effects included nausea, diarrhea, shivering, tiredness, headache, hot flushes, dizziness, and unpleasant mouth taste.
This study suggests the feasibility and acceptability of home self-administration of misoprostol for medical abortion up to 56 days’ gestation. These findings need to be assessed in the context of a randomized trial.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/31/3/189
