Early non-surgical abortion--give women the choice

Regulation of fertility can be difficult, and women need highly dependable contraception to achieve their desired fertility. Only 20% of early abortions in England and Wales and 60% in Scotland are undertaken by the medical method. Medical methods for early abortion appear to be promising alternatives to surgical abortion, and widespread dissemination of this method is needed. Instituting fast and efficient referral systems may also enable women to exercise this choice. This opinion document reviews and extends guidelines produced by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.