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Mifepristone abortion in minors.
R H Phelps1, E A Schaff, S L Fielding
1Department of Family Medicine, Reproductive Health Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA. rhphelps@rochester.rr.com
Contraception
|February 9, 2002
Summary
Medical abortion using mifepristone and misoprostol is safe and effective for pregnant teenagers. Most adolescents found the procedure acceptable and reported improved emotional well-being post-abortion.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Adolescent Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- One-third of pregnant adolescents in the U.S. opt for abortion.
- Limited data exists on the acceptability of medical abortion in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the physical and emotional acceptability of medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol in adolescents aged 14-17.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 28 adolescents (14-17 years) with pregnancies ≤56 days gestation.
- Administered mifepristone (200 mg) followed by misoprostol (800 microg) vaginally.
- Assessed acceptability and emotional coping via questionnaires at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- All 28 adolescents completed medical abortions without complications or need for surgery.
- Procedure acceptability increased from 75% at 4-8 days to 96% at 4 weeks post-abortion.
- Initial stress and fear decreased significantly by 4 weeks, with satisfaction increasing from 43% to 79%.
Conclusions:
- Medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol is highly effective and well-tolerated physically and emotionally by adolescents.
- Further research with larger trials is recommended to generalize findings to broader adolescent populations.