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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Sheemain Asaria, MD¹, Lawrence Leeman, MD, MPH², Sarah Gopman, MD², Eve Espey, MD, MPH¹, Joseph Anthony Ogburn, MD¹, and Stephanie Barnett². (1) Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, 2211 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, 5052724051, SAsaria@salud.unm.edu, (2) Family and Community Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, 2400 Tucker NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131

The introduction of medication abortion with mifepristone has expanded women's abortion options, but since the majority of abortions in the United States occur in freestanding clinics, access is limited. The purpose of this study was to asses the feasibility of providing medication abortion only care by determining the proportion of women choosing medication abortion in clinics offering on-site medication abortion but not aspiration abortion. University of New Mexico Family Medicine and Ob/Gyn clinics began offering medication abortion in 2002. Records for all women referred for options counseling from 2002 to 2005 were abstracted for demographics, gestational age, and pregnancy decision. We collected data on the number of clinic visits, the proportion of completed abortions and complications for women choosing medication abortion. 220 women were seen for options counseling and 204 (92.7%) were eligible for medication abortion based on estimated gestational age (EGA) of < 63 days. 173 (85%) of the 204 eligible women and 176 (80%) of all 220 women receiving counseling chose medication abortion including three between 64 and 69 days EGA. 168 of 176 (93.8%) women receiving medication abortion had at least one follow-up visit and 165 (93.8%) had a complete abortion by ultrasound or serial human chorionic gonadotropin levels. Most women referred to practices offering on-site medication abortion, but not uterine aspiration, chose medication abortion. Family Medicine and Ob/Gyn Physicians, including those involved with resident training, should consider incorporating medication abortion in their practices even if unable to offer aspiration abortion.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe the process of integration of medication abortion (mifepristone) into primary care residency practices
• Discuss the pregnancy options decisions made by women seeking counseling and care in practices offering medication abortion but not uterine aspiration abortion
• Assess the feasibility of offering medication abortion care in primary care practice settings

Keywords: Abortion, Family Planning

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered

Handout (.pdf format, 3102.6 kb)

Handout (.pdf format, 3102.6 kb)