Teal SB, Harken T, Sheeder J, Westhoff C. Efficacy, acceptability and safety of medication abortion in low-income, urban Latina women.
Contraception 2009;
80:479-83. [PMID:
19835724 DOI:
10.1016/j.contraception.2009.04.012]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2008] [Revised: 04/14/2009] [Accepted: 04/27/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Health care providers may be reluctant to offer medication abortion to low-income, non-English-speaking populations. Concerns include lack of patient interest, incorrect use of misoprostol at home, missing mandatory follow-up visits and inappropriate use of emergency services. We describe the appeal, acceptability, safety and follow-up rates of medication abortion in a low-income Latina population in New York City.
STUDY DESIGN
Nested analysis of 270 subjects up to 63 days' gestation enrolled in a multicenter trial of medication abortion comparing different mifepristone-misoprostol intervals. After receiving mifepristone, subjects were instructed on home use of misoprostol, what to do in an emergency and when to return.
RESULTS
This population was predominantly Spanish-speaking, unmarried, poor and publicly insured. Ninety-six percent took the misoprostol at home correctly, 90% returned as scheduled without reminders and 2% were lost to follow-up. Ninety-six percent described the experience as positive or neutral and 94% would recommend medication abortion to a friend. Three serious adverse events occurred and women accessed emergency services appropriately.
CONCLUSION
Medication abortion can be a very appealing, safe and effective option in low-income, non-English-speaking populations.
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