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Misoprostol and illegal abortion in Fortaleza, Brazil
H L Coêlho1, A C Teixeira, A P Santos
1Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.
Lancet (London, England)
|May 15, 1993
Summary
Misoprostol, a medication for ulcers, is often misused for abortions in Brazil, leading to incomplete procedures and a need for uterine evacuation. Restrictions on abortion access contribute to this public health issue.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Abortion is highly restricted in Brazil, leading women to seek unsafe methods.
- Misoprostol, a prostaglandin E1 analogue, is frequently used as an abortifacient despite its inefficiency.
- Incomplete abortions necessitate uterine evacuation, posing significant health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in uterine evacuations following induced abortions in Fortaleza, Brazil.
- To assess the role of misoprostol in incomplete abortions.
- To investigate the impact of drug sales suspension on abortion procedures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of hospital records for uterine evacuations.
- Data collected from January 1990 to July 1992 at a major obstetric hospital.
- Analysis of abortion causes, including drug-induced and clandestine procedures.
Main Results:
- A substantial increase in misoprostol-induced incomplete abortions was observed in early 1990.
- In 1991, misoprostol accounted for 75% of incomplete abortions.
- Suspension of misoprostol sales led to a significant decline in uterine evacuations, though clandestine sales sustained some cases.
Conclusions:
- Misoprostol misuse is a significant factor in incomplete abortions in Brazil due to restricted abortion access.
- Poor drug marketing control exacerbates the problem of medication misuse for abortions.
- Improved access to contraception and safer abortion options are critical public health needs.
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