Medical abortion in the second trimester – an update

Abstract

The safety and efficacy of medical abortion in the second trimester is provider independent and may therefore offer advantages over surgical second trimester abortion in certain settings. Due to bleeding risk, medical abortions in the second trimester are still mostly performed in a clinic or hospital setting. The most effective regimen for abortion includes pretreatment with oral mifepristone and following doses of misoprostol. An alternative is misoprostol only which should only be used when mifepristone is not available. The optimal dosing of prostaglandin to achieve the highest efficacy with the lowest proportion of complications remains to be established. Complications are rare and serious adverse events uncommon but may include uterine rupture especially in women with a previous cesarean delivery or uterine surgery. Women having second trimester medical abortion are a diverse group with different indications for the abortion. All women should be offered pain relief and respectful care. Staff involved in second trimester medical abortion often find their work challenging. At the same time, staff indicate pride and a conviction of contributing to the ‘greater good’ for women and society. Staff involved in second trimester abortion should be offered guidance and support through the employer. Post abortion contraception should be offered to all women having second trimester medical abortions, including those who have the abortion due to fetal malformation. All methods of contraception can be started immediately after a second trimester medical abortion except for cycle based methods and diaphragms.