Prostaglandin E2 suppositories as a second-trimester abortifacient

Despite the large number of second-trimester abortions performed each year in the United States through labor induction, the optimal method of inducing labor has not been developed. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vaginal prostaglandin E2 suppositories as an abortifacient. We analyzed the abortions at 14-24 menstrual weeks' gestation performed at Women's Hospital, Los Angeles, in 1985 and 1986. The abortion rate at 24 hours was 90.4%, with a mean induction-to-abortion time of 13.8 hours. Although gastrointestinal side effects were frequent, hemorrhage, infection and live births were infrequent. Prostaglandin E2 suppositories are a simple, effective and safe means of effecting second-trimester abortion that requires little surgical skill.