Online Abortion Drug Sales in Indonesia: A Quality of Care Assessment
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Updated: Dec 5, 2025

Comprehensive Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Safety of Placenta-Targeted Drug Delivery Using Three Complementary Methods
Published on: September 10, 2018
Ann M Moore1, Jesse Philbin1, Iwan Ariawan2
1Ann M. Moore, Jesse Philbin, Rachel Murro, Akinrinola Bankole, Guttmacher Institute, New York, NY, 10038-4912.
Abstract:
This study sought to understand the experience of buying misoprostol online for pregnancy termination in Indonesia. We conducted a mystery client study August through October, 2019. Interactions were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively, along with the contents of the packages. One hundred ten sellers were contacted, from whom mystery clients made 76 purchases and received 64 drug packages. Almost all sellers sold "packets" containing multiple drugs; 73 percent of packets contained misoprostol, and 47 percent contained at least 800 mcg of misoprostol. Thirty-four packets contained insufficient drugs to complete an abortion. When compared to WHO standards, 87 percent of sellers imparted incomplete information about potential physical effects; no seller provided information about possible complications. Women buying misoprostol from informal online drugs sellers will be underprepared for understanding potential side effects and complications. Educational activities are needed to increase women's access to information about safe use of misoprostol as a harm reduction strategy.
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