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Abortion: epidemiology, safety, and technique.

P D Blumenthal1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Francis Scott Key Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21224.

Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology
|August 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

Medical abortion using mifepristone (RU 486) is effective for early pregnancy termination. Short-term psychological effects of abortion are infrequent and not a public health concern.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Medical Abortion
  • Gynecology

Background:

  • The 1991 abortion literature focused on epidemiology, medical abortifacients like mifepristone (RU 486), and cervical ripening agents.
  • Surgical abortion techniques, particularly dilatation and evacuation, are more prevalent in the United States compared to Europe.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the state of abortion literature in 1991.
  • To assess the effectiveness and safety of medical abortion methods.
  • To evaluate the psychological impact of abortion.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of abortion-related articles from 1991.
  • Analysis of data on medical abortifacients (mifepristone) and surgical procedures.
  • Examination of evidence regarding psychological sequelae of abortion.
Keywords:
Abortifacient AgentsAbortion RateAbortion SurveysAbortion, Drug InducedAbortion, InducedBiologyEndocrine SystemEthicsFamily PlanningFertility Control, PostconceptionHormone AntagonistsHormonesOxytocinPhysiologyPituitary HormonesProstaglandinsRu-486

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Main Results:

  • Mifepristone (RU 486) effectiveness for early first-trimester termination is well-established, with ongoing research into optimal dosing.
  • Technical abortion methods show regional variations, with slower induction-abortion times in Europe and higher rates of dilatation and evacuation in the US.
  • Short-term negative psychological effects following abortion are infrequent and considered inconsequential from a public health perspective.

Conclusions:

  • Medical abortion with mifepristone is a proven method for early pregnancy termination.
  • Surgical and medical abortion techniques vary globally, with ongoing optimization of medical regimens.
  • Abortion does not appear to cause significant short-term psychological harm.