The roles of clinical assessment, human chorionic gonadotropin assays, and ultrasonography in medical abortion practice.

The clinical assessment of patients who request early medical abortion includes confirmation of the diagnosis of pregnancy and estimation of gestational age. Accurate gestational dating is essential, because the efficacies of medical abortion regimens decline as pregnancy advances. Whereas medical abortion researchers in the United States have relied on routine ultrasonography for gestational dating, abortion providers experienced with mifepristone and prostaglandin regimens outside the United States have reported high efficacy and safety primarily with clinical dating parameters. Diligent follow-up of patients allows clinicians to confirm that complete abortion has occurred without complications. In cases of uncertain outcome or suspected ectopic pregnancy, transvaginal ultrasonography and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin assays can assist in prompt diagnosis and management. As medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol becomes more prevalent in the United States, studies will be needed to further evaluate the effects of these modalities on medical abortion outcomes.

Early surgical abortion: an alternative to and backup for medical abortion.

Surgical abortion by vacuum aspiration is one of the most commonly reported surgical procedures in the United States. The developments of highly sensitive urinary pregnancy tests and transvaginal ultrasonography have encouraged the application of surgical abortion methods at earlier gestational ages. Manual vacuum aspiration with a handheld syringe safely accomplishes early abortion in a variety of settings, from elective abortion in the office or clinic setting to emergency care of a patient with an incomplete abortion. As a wider range of clinicians expresses interest in offering medical abortion, the appropriate use and technique of surgical backup are crucial in safely providing medical abortion. This article reviews vacuum aspiration during the first few weeks of pregnancy, with special attention to manual vacuum aspiration, both for elective surgical abortion and when intervention is required after medical abortion.

Management of side effects and complications in medical abortion.

Side effects are an expected part of medical abortion; some, such as pain and bleeding, result from the abortion process itself and are generally managed with orally administered analgesics and counseling. True medication side effects most commonly include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and warmth or chills. Complications of medical abortion usually represent an extreme or severe side effect. Large series have reported transfusion rates of <1%. Because of the infrequency of uterine instrumentation, postabortal endometritis appears to be rare with medical abortion. As with early surgical abortion, the clinician must remain aware of the possibility for ectopic pregnancy. Overall approximately 2% to 10% of patients will require surgical intervention for control of bleeding, resolution of incomplete expulsion, or termination of a continuing pregnancy. Understanding the types of side effects and complications that can occur will enable the clinician to counsel patients properly as well as to understand when medical intervention is necessary during the medical abortion process.

Case-control differences in the reliability of reporting a history of induced abortion.

The authors investigated the possibility that, in interview-based case-control studies, controls are more likely than cases to underreport a history of induced abortion. A case-control study was conducted in White women under 45 years of age who had given birth in Washington State during 1984-1994. The cases were women in three metropolitan counties of Washington State diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during 1984-1994; controls were selected through random digit dialing. A history of induced abortion among study participants was compared between interview data and information collected on the birth record of the last child to whom they gave birth (225 cases, 303 controls). Among women with a prior induced abortion recorded on the birth record, 14.0% of the 43 cases and 14.9% of the 47 controls did not report an induced abortion at interview (difference = -0.9%, 95% confidence interval of the difference: -15, 14). The authors' data do not suggest that controls are more reluctant to report a history of induced abortion than are women with breast cancer.

Acceptability of suction curettage and mifepristone abortion in the United States: a prospective comparison study.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the acceptability of suction curettage abortion with that of medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol in American women. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a prospective, serially enrolled, cohort analysis. The study population consisted of 152 subjects receiving mifepristone and misoprostol and 174 subjects undergoing suction curettage abortion aged > or =18 years with intrauterine pregnancies of up to 63 days' estimated gestation. Questionnaires regarding expectations and experiences were administered before the abortion and at the 2-week follow-up visit. RESULTS: Subjects undergoing medical abortions reported significantly greater satisfaction than those undergoing surgical abortions (mean rank, 121 vs 149; P <.01) but were no more likely to recommend the method they had just experienced to a friend (97% vs 93.3%). If a future abortion was required, however, 41.7% of subjects undergoing surgical abortions indicated they would opt for a medical abortion, whereas only 8.6% of subjects receiving medical abortions would choose a surgical abortion (P <.001). Failure of the abortion decreased satisfaction in the medical group and increased the likelihood of choosing a surgical abortion for a subsequent procedure (P <.001). Surgical subjects who experienced more anxiety than expected during the abortion were more likely to choose a medical procedure for a subsequent abortion (P <.01). CONCLUSION: Women receiving mifepristone and misoprostol were more satisfied with their method and more likely to choose the same method again than were subjects undergoing surgical abortion. Failure of a medical abortion and increased anxiety during surgical abortion were associated with preference for the alternative technique in a future procedure.

Medical termination of pregnancy.

PIP: This review focuses on advances in the medical termination of pregnancy during the early period of the first trimester, when most abortions are performed. The drugs are used to terminate pregnancy act by inhibiting the synthesis of progesterone, inducing myometrial contractions, antagonizing the action of progesterone, or inhibiting trophoblast development. Among the drugs used in medical abortion are epostane, prostaglandins (including misoprostol and gameprost), combined methotrexate and misoprostol, tamoxifen-misoprostol regimen, mifepristone and prostaglandin, and antiprogestin and prostaglandins. The efficacy, side effects, and contraindications of these drugs in the medical termination of pregnancy are discussed. In general, medical abortion is associated with higher rates of prolonged bleeding, nausea, vomiting, and pain as compared to surgical abortion. However, medical termination of pregnancy has a high rate of efficacy in women with early pregnancies. In addition, medical abortion is safe and acceptable to women, and it does not require anesthesia. Lastly, women who choose medical abortion must have access to a center where suction curettage is available, should heavy bleeding occur and blood transfusion is required.^ieng

Is it evidence-based practice? Prophylactic antibiotics for termination of pregnancy to minimize post-abortion pelvic infection?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) causing upper genital tract problems after termination of pregnancy (TOP) is well recognized. We undertook this study to assess the local prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and to estimate the potential benefits of introducing screening. The prevalence rate of C. trachomatis was 6%. Nine sexual contacts of the index cases were identified. They were symptom free, but all had non-specific urethritis (NSU). Four of them were positive for C. trachomatis. We conclude that screening for chlamydial infection is essential and routine prophylactic antibiotic cover may not be beneficial.

Tamoxifen compared to methotrexate when used with misoprostol for abortion.

The purpose of this study was to compare tamoxifen to methotrexate, with respect to effectiveness, when followed by misoprostol to induce abortion. In the first phase, 198 women presenting for medical abortion at < 7 weeks gestation were randomized to receive either 40 mg of tamoxifen, followed 2 to 3 days later by 800 micrograms of misoprostol self-administered vaginally or 50 mg/m2 of methotrexate, followed 5 to 7 days later by the same dose of misoprostol. In the second phase, 200 women were randomized to receive 20 mg tamoxifen twice daily for 4 days, followed by 800 micrograms misoprostol or the same regimen of methotrexate and misoprostol as in phase 1. The main outcome measure was success rate determined by the number of women who aborted without surgery. In phase 1, the success rate was higher in the methotrexate group (93.0%) compared to the tamoxifen group (85.7%) (p = 0.045). In the tamoxifen group, nine of 98 women had incomplete abortions with symptoms requiring a surgical aspiration, compared to one of 100 women in the methotrexate group. In phase 2, the success rates were 90.9% in the methotrexate group compared to 84.7% in the tamoxifen group (p = 0.20). The side effects were less in the tamoxifen group in phase 1 but not in phase 2. When tamoxifen is given as a single dose, it is less effective than methotrexate but when it is given 20 mg twice daily for 4 days, there is no significant difference. Tamoxifen does not appear to have any benefits over methotrexate.

PIP: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of tamoxifen with that of methotrexate when each is used in combination with misoprostol for abortion. In the 1st phase of the study, 198 medical abortion cases at 7 weeks gestation were randomized to receive either 40 mg of tamoxifen followed by 800 mcg of misoprostol after 2-3 days or 50 mg/sq. m of methotrexate followed by the same dose of misoprostol after 5-7 days. In the 2nd phase, 20 mg tamoxifen twice daily for 4 days was administered to 200 women, followed by 800 mcg misoprostol or the same methotrexate and misoprostol regimen as in phase 1. The number of women who experienced abortion without surgery was determined to measure the success rate. The success rate in phase 1 was higher in the methotrexate group (93.0%) than in the tamoxifen group (85.7%) (p = 0.045). About 9 in 98 women in the tamoxifen group and 1 in 100 women in the methotrexate group had incomplete abortions, indicating surgical aspirations. In the 2nd phase, the success rates were 90.9% in the methotrexate group and 84.7% in the tamoxifen group (p = 0.20). There were fewer side effects in the tamoxifen group during the 1st phase but not in the 2nd phase. Tamoxifen was seen to be less effective than methotrexate if given in a single dose. There was no significant difference when tamoxifen was given in 20 mg doses twice daily for 4 days. There were no advantages observed in tamoxifen over methotrexate.

Induced second trimester abortion by extra-amniotic prostaglandin infusion in patients with a cesarean scar: is it safe?

BACKGROUND: One result of the advancement in prenatal diagnosis is an increase in the need for second trimester pregnancy terminations. Extra-amniotic infusion of prostaglandins is a common technique used for such pregnancy termination. Since prostaglandins cause strong uterine contractions, many practitioners are hesitant to use this technique on women with a uterine scar. In this study we tried to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the technique for women with a previous uterine scar. METHODS: This retrospective study included all women with a complete medical record who underwent a second trimester pregnancy termination at our institution by extra amniotic prostaglandin E2, during a 6 year period. The study group included all women with a previous uterine scar. The group of women without such a scar served as the control group. RESULTS: Three hundred and forty women had their pregnancy terminated, but only in 282 cases was the medical information complete (research population). The study group (35 women) characteristics were similar to those of the control group (247 women). We found no difference in the abortion interval, the need to use an additional method, the need for curettage and in bleeding complication between the two groups. There was no case of uterine rupture. The group of women with multiple uterine scars was too small for analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that extra amniotic prostaglandin infusion is an effective and safe technique in women with a uterine scar.

PIP: This retrospective study examines the effectiveness of second trimester-induced abortion using prostaglandin infusion among patients with a previous cesarean scar. Data were gathered from medical records of all women who underwent second trimester pregnancy termination using extra-amniotic prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) infusion at Meir Hospital between January 1992 and November 1997. Women with a history of cesarean section comprised the study group (35) and women without scar served as controls (247). This technique involved the infusion of 10 mg PGE2/500 ml of normal saline to noncesarean women and 5 mg PGE2/500 ml to women who had undergone cesarean section. The study found no significant difference between the two groups in the need for a special procedure such as curettage and/or bleeding complications and uterine rupture. Results demonstrated that the presence of a cesarean scar does not seem to pose a risk in this technique. Extra-amniotic prostaglandin infusion was therefore an effective and safe technique for second trimester pregnancy termination among women with previous uterine scar.

Outcomes of suction curettage and mifepristone abortion in the United States. A prospective comparison study.

A prospective, nonconcurrent cohort analysis of 178 mifepristone/misoprostol and 199 suction curettage abortion subjects, ages > or = 18 years, with intrauterine pregnancies < or = 63 days estimated gestational age, was conducted to compare the outcomes of suction curettage abortion to those of medical abortion. The medical abortion subjects received 600 mg of mifeprisone orally, followed by 400 micrograms of oral misoprostol 2 days later. Surgical abortion subjects underwent electronic vacuum aspiration. All subjects were followed for 2 weeks or until the absence of clinical bleeding. Outcome measures included a successful abortion (complete abortion without a surgical intervention), duration of bleeding, and morbidity. Overall, 18.3% medical and 4.7% surgical patients failed their primary procedure and received an unanticipated suction curettage (RR 3.93, 95% CI 1.87, 8.29). Four mifepristone subjects required curettage for acute bleeding, nine to manage ongoing pregnancy, and five for incomplete abortion. Fourteen mifepristone and eight surgical subjects required curettage for persistent bleeding. The median time delay for therapeutic curettage was significantly longer in the medical abortion group (35 versus 8 days; Mann-Whitney U = 17.0, p = 0.008). Medical subjects experienced significantly longer bleeding (mean difference = 9.6 days, 95% CI 6.8, 12.4). No significant change in hemoglobin occurred in either group. Mifepristone patients reported significantly greater pain (77.1% vs 10.5%; RR 7.4, 95% CI 4.7, 11.5), and nausea or vomiting (68.6% vs 0.6%; RR 117.9, 95% CI 16.7, 834.7). Women receiving mifepristone/misoprostol are more likely to require an unplanned surgical intervention than women who undergo suction curettage. They experience more discomfort with their procedure and in the follow-up interval, bleed for a longer period, and remain at risk for surgical completion curettage for several weeks.

PIP: A prospective, nonconcurrent cohort analysis was conducted to compare the outcomes of suction curettage abortion to those of medical abortion in the US. The study included 178 mifepristone/misoprostol and 199 curettage abortion subjects, ages 18 years or older, with intrauterine pregnancies of 63 or fewer days. Medical abortion subjects received 600 mg of mifepristone orally, followed by 400 mcg of oral misoprostol 2 days later. Surgical abortion subjects underwent electronic vacuum aspiration. Results showed that 18.3% of medical and 4.7% of surgical patients failed their primary procedure and received an unanticipated suction curettage. Medical subjects experienced significantly longer bleeding; however, no significant change in hemoglobin occurred in either group. While, mifepristone patients reported significantly greater pain, nausea or vomiting. Thus, women receiving mifepristone/misoprostol are more likely to require an unplanned surgical intervention than women who undergo curretage. Medical abortion patients have more discomfort, they bleed longer, and remain at risk for surgical completion curettage for several weeks.

Sexually transmitted diseases and gynecologic symptoms and signs in women with a history of induced abortion.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations between a history of induced abortion and current or previous sexually transmitted diseases and other gynecologic infections. METHODS: A cohort study was performed at two family planning clinics and one youth clinic. Of 996 women, 192 (19.3%) admitted a history of induced abortion, whereas the remaining 804 women served as a control group. A structured, personal interview which included details on previous genital infections and gynecologic symptoms and a gynecologic examination was performed. Genital chlamydial infection, gonorrhea, genital herpes, genital warts, cervical human papillomavirus infection, bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis were diagnosed. RESULTS: Both a history of genital infections, with the exception of vulvovaginal candidiasis, and current genital symptoms were more common in women with a history of induced abortion, compared with the control group. Age-adjusted odds ratios ranged from 1.5 (history of genital warts, 95% confidence interval (95% CI 0.9-2.5) to 5.0 (history of gonorrhea, 95% CI 2.6-9.7). Odds ratios for current bacterial vaginosis was 1.9 (95% CI 1.2-2.9) and for vulvovaginal candidiasis 1.8 (95% CI 1.1-2.7). CONCLUSION: Women attending a clinic for an induced abortion could be a target group for sexually transmitted disease information programs.

PIP: This study examines the relationship between a history of induced abortion and current or previous sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and other gynecologic symptoms. Study participants consisted of a cohort of women attending 2 family planning and 1 youth clinic; 192 were admitted with history of induced abortion and 804 women served as controls. A structured interview to obtain data on previous genital infections and gynecologic symptoms was conducted and gynecologic examination was performed. Various types of STDs and gynecologic symptoms were diagnosed including chlamydial infection, gonorrhea, genital herpes, genital warts, cervical human papillomavirus infection, bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and bacterial vaginosis. The study found a high frequency of gynecologic symptoms in women with history of induced abortion such as abnormal vaginal discharges, pruritus, genital malodor, deep dyspareunia and urinary symptoms. Moreover, a history of gonorrhea, genital chlamydial infection, genital warts, and genital herpes were 1.5-5 times more common among women who experienced induced abortion. As a consequence of the 3-fold increase in the history of STDs, the study found a 4-fold increase of a history of pelvic inflammatory disease in women with induced abortion history. Considering these findings, women attending clinics for induced abortions could be a good target population for STD information programs and campaigns.

HIV testing and prevention issues for women attending termination assessment clinics.

The prevalence of HIV infection in London is nearly threefold in women who seek terminations compared to women who carry to term. Despite the higher prevalence, HIV testing is not systematically offered to women attending termination of pregnancy assessment clinics (TOPCs). The Department of Health has given clear guidance on HIV testing in antenatal clinics and most London antenatal clinics have implemented policies on HIV testing. No similar guidance exists for TOP clinics. This paper describes the results from a study examining HIV testing and prevention issues for women attending five TOPCs in North London. Data on risk disclosure, HIV testing intentions and awareness of HIV infection and testing were analysed for 141 women who completed a self-administered questionnaire. Women who expressed an intention to have an HIV test were more likely to be from ethnic minority origin, to report that their partner intends to have an HIV test and to perceive it as easier to talk to their partner about HIV testing, compared to women who did not report an intention to test for HIV The former group also were more likely to have had a previous HIV test and perceived their personal control for staying HIV negative as greater compared to others. Fifty six (39.8 per cent) women disclosed one or more potential risk factors for HIV Women with risks were more knowledgeable about HIV infection, perceived their personal chances of being HIV positive as greater and experienced greater worry about past risks, compared to women who disclosed no risks. However, women who disclosed risk factors were no more likely to intend to have an HIV test. Knowledge on HIV infection, testing and potential interventions to reduce mother-to-baby transmission was low, with fewer than one in four women being aware that transmission may be reduced by AZT, Caesarean section and bottle feeding. Given the findings about the level of risk disclosed and women's positive attitude towards information on HIV infection and testing, this client group should no longer be overlooked in the planning of future policies on HIV testing for populations at risk.

PIP: In London, women who seek induced abortions have a level of HIV seroprevalence almost 3 times higher than do women who carry their pregnancies to term. However, despite this higher prevalence, HIV testing is not systematically offered to women attending termination of pregnancy assessment clinics (TOPCs). This paper examines results from a study of HIV testing and prevention issues for women attending 5 TOPCs in North London. Data on risk disclosure, HIV testing intentions, and awareness of HIV infection and testing were analyzed for 141 women who completed a self-administered questionnaire. Women who expressed an intention to have an HIV test were more likely to be of ethnic minority origin, to report that their partner intends to have an HIV test, and to perceive it as easier to talk to their partner about HIV testing, compared to women who reported no intention to test for HIV. The former group was also more likely to have had a previous HIV test and felt better able to remain HIV negative. 39.8% of women disclosed 1 or more potential risk factors for HIV. However, although women with risks were more knowledgeable about HIV and had a stronger sense of their potential HIV infection, they were no more likely than women who disclosed no risks to have an HIV test. Less than 25% knew that the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission can be reduced through AZT therapy, cesarean section, and bottle feeding.

Low-dose mifepristone 200 mg and vaginal misoprostol for abortion.

The objectives of this study were to determine the effectiveness, side effects, and acceptability of one-third the standard 600 mg dose of mifepristone (200 mg) to induce abortion. A prospective trial at seven sites enrolled women > or = 18 years, up to 8 weeks pregnant, and wanting an abortion. The women received 200 mg mifepristone orally, self-administered 800 micrograms misoprostol vaginally at home 48 h later, and returned 1-4 days later for ultrasound evaluation. Surgical intervention was indicated for continuing pregnancy, excessive bleeding, persistent products of conception 5 weeks later, or other serious medical conditions. Of the 933 subjects, 906 (97%) had complete medical abortions, 22 had surgical intervention, two were protocol failures, and three were lost to follow up. Of the 746 subjects who had no or minimal bleeding before misoprostol, 80% bled within 4 h and 98% within 24 h of using misoprostol. By day 7, 95% of women had a complete abortion. Side effects were aceptable in 85% of subjects, and 94% found the procedure acceptable. Low-dose mifepristone followed by vaginal misoprostol was highly effective as an abortifacient.

PIP: The effectiveness, side effects, and acceptability of 200 mg of mifepristone (one-third the standard dose) to induce medical abortion were investigated in a trial conducted at 7 centers in the US. 933 women with pregnancies up to 8 weeks' gestation were enrolled. They were given a 200-mg oral dose of mifepristone to be followed 48 hours later by home administration of 800 mcg of vaginal misoprostol and instructed to return 1-4 days later for ultrasound evaluation. 906 women (97%) experienced complete medical abortion, 22 required surgical abortion, 2 were protocol failures, and 3 were lost to follow-up. The most common indication for surgery was persistent or severe bleeding. Of the 746 women who had little or no bleeding before misoprostol administration, 593 (80%) bled within 4 hours and 731 (98%) within 24 hours of misoprostol. By day 7, 95% of women had experienced a complete abortion. The mean duration of bleeding was 17.4 days. 73% of subjects used an oral narcotic for pain. The most common mifepristone-related side effects were nausea and cramping; misoprostol-related side effects included cramping, fever, and chills. 74% found the pain related to the procedure acceptable and 85% rated its side effects as tolerable. Overall, 94% of subjects rated the medical abortion regimen as acceptable. These findings indicate that low-dose mifepristone is highly effective and acceptable as a self-administered abortifacient. The advantages of a lower dose of mifepristone include reduced manufacturing costs and less exposure to potential side effects.

Comparing abortion induced with methotrexate and misoprostol to methotrexate alone.

This was a dual-cohort study performed to determine if, by using methotrexate alone, abortions could be induced with fewer side effects, without sacrificing effectiveness and patient satisfaction. The subjects were 358 consecutive patients who requested elective medical termination of pregnancy at < 7 weeks gestation. Women were given information and allowed to choose between methotrexate alone (50 mg/m2 intramuscularly) or methotrexate followed 4 days later by 800 micrograms misoprostol vaginally. The two groups were compared with respect to the number of surgical aspirations required, the number of days until the abortion was completed, side effects, and the number of women who would choose the same method again. The surgery rate for methotrexate was 17.2%, whereas for the combination it was 10.9%. The mean numbers of days until the abortion were complete was 23 and 12, respectively. Side effects, mean pain scores, total days of bleeding, and satisfaction rates were not significantly different in the two groups. The high failure rate with methotreaxate alone suggests that it should not be offered despite the high level of satisfaction.

PIP: A dual-cohort study was conducted to determine whether abortion induced by methotrexate alone produces fewer side effects than a misoprostol-methotrexate regimen without sacrificing efficacy. 358 consecutive Canadian abortion seekers with pregnancies of 7 weeks' gestation or less were given the choice of a regimen of 50 mg/sq. m of intramuscular methotrexate or methotrexate followed 4 days later by 800 mcg of vaginal misoprostol. 101 women chose the former and 257 opted for the latter regimen. Women tended to choose the methotrexate-only regimen to avoid misoprostol-related side effects; selection of the combination was motivated by a desire for a rapid pregnancy termination. 82 women (82.8%) in the methotrexate-only group and 228 (89.1%) in the combination group aborted successfully. The failure rate in both groups was significantly higher when the procedure was performed at 6 or more weeks of gestation. It took a mean of 23.1 days from injection to complete abortion in the methotrexate-only group compared with 11.7 days in the methotrexate-misoprostol group. More than half the women had medication-related side effects, primarily nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, with no significant differences between groups. The mean number of days of bleeding was 9.0 in the methotrexate-only group and 10.1 in the combination group. The mean worst pain score (on an 11-point scale) was 6.4 in the former and 6.1 in the latter group. 91.8% of women in the methotrexate-only group and 90.7% of those in the misoprostol-methotrexate group who successfully aborted stated they would chose the same method again. Given the high failure rate, methotrexate alone should not be offered routinely to abortion seekers. Its use should be reserved for women with very early pregnancies who have relative contraindications for misoprostol.

The relevance of ethnic monitoring in the experience of Haringey Healthcare NHS trust community family planning clinics.

Ethnic monitoring of all new and first attenders in the year to community family planning clinics was carried out by means of an anonymous questionnaire during April to June 1997 inclusive to ascertain whether ethnic minority women attend family planning clinics. A 73 per cent response rate (2664 questionnaires) was obtained. The results showed that women came from a wide variety of ethnic groups and from almost every country in the world. Those of UK European origin were underrepresented. For 28 per cent of women, English was not their first language. A total of 66 languages were recorded. Sixty two per cent (1673) of all the women were between 20 and 34 years. Overall half of all the women attending did not have children. Though in some ethnic groups most women were parous, less than 20 per cent of Caribbean (born Caribbean) West African and Turkish Cypriot women and only six per cent of Turkish/Kurdish women born in Turkey had not had children. Thirty three per cent of women admitted to having had one or more terminations although there was only a 90 per cent response rate to this question. While between 20 and 25 per cent of United Kingdom, EEC and non EEC European and black British women had had one or more abortions, 49 per cent of West African, 43 per cent of Kurdish and 40 per cent of Turkish Cypriot women had had one or more abortions. The lowest percentage of women admitting to a termination were Irish (12 per cent). The majority of women did choose a method or methods of contraception. The oral contraceptive pill and the condom were the most popular methods, often being used together The method used was influenced by age and ethnicity. Younger women opted for 'the pill' while older women chose the intrauterine device. The combined pill and condom were relatively equally popular with UK, Irish, EEC European, Caribbean (born Caribbean, born UK) and 'other' groups of women; while the intrauterine device was the favoured method of Kurdish/Turkish women born in Turkey. Depo-Provera was used principally by UK, European, Caribbean (born Caribbean, born UK) and African (West and East) women. Twelve per cent of women were recorded as not using a method. These women might have attended for a pregnancy test, cervical smear, advice about general health, gynaecological problems, though this was not specifically recorded. These women featured in all age groups. While a third were UK European, two thirds were of other ethnic groups. This would appear to illustrate that those women do seem to be aware that family planning clinics can provide services in addition to supplying contraceptive methods. It was noted that the Kurdish/Turkish women favoured one particular clinic sited in the ante natal department of the local hospital (the North Middlesex) where linkworkers are available. They accounted for 34 per cent of those who attended (128 out of 371). However at all but one of the clinic sites, which are spread around the borough, the UK European group was in a minority ranging from 20 to 47 per cent in attendance, compared to other ethnic groups. It is proposed that ethnic monitoring will be routinely recorded from April 1998 for new and first time attenders. It is also planned to work more closely with various ethnic minority groups in the community.

PIP: Ethnic monitoring was conducted of all new and first-time attenders in the financial year to Haringey Family Planning Clinics through an anonymous questionnaire during April-June 1997 to determine whether ethnic minority women attend family planning clinics. 2664 questionnaires were returned, for a response rate of 73%. The women came from a wide range of ethnic groups from the UK and Europe, Ireland, Caribbean, Africa, Greece, Turkey, India, southeastern Asia, and elsewhere. Women of UK European origin were under-represented. English was not the first language for 28% of the women, who reported 66 different first languages. 62% of the women were aged 20-34 years, and more than half of all women attending the clinics had no children. 33% of women admitted to having had at least one induced abortion, with the highest level of abortions being among women from West Africa (49%), and the lowest level being among Irish women (12%). Data on number of children, abortion, and choice of contraceptive method are reported with regard to ethnicity. The majority of women chose a method or methods of contraception, with the oral contraceptive pill and the condom being the most popular methods, and often used together. Contraceptive method used was influenced by age and ethnicity, with younger women choosing the pill and older women choosing IUDs. 12% of women were recorded as not using a contraceptive method. It is proposed that ethnic data be routinely recorded from April 1998 for first-time attenders, with efforts made to work more closely with various ethnic minority groups in the community.

Clinical observation on termination of early pregnancy of 213 cases after caesarian section with repeated use of mifepristone and misoprostol.

PIP: The aim was to investigate the efficacy and safety in women after cesarean section of termination of early pregnancy by treatment, or repeated treatment, with mifepristone and misoprostol. A total of 213 pregnant women with amenorrhea of 34-69 days after cesarean section who asked for medical abortion were recruited, including 63 cases undergoing their second medical abortion. A total amount of mifepristone of 150 mg, given in separate doses (4 doses of 25 mg following a first dose of 50 mg), was administered orally within 3 days, followed by misoprostol (0.6 mg orally) the morning of day 3. The complete abortion rate was 92.5%, while the incomplete abortion rate was 4.7% and the abortion failure rate was 2.8%. The sequential use of mifepristone and misoprostol could be successfully and repeatedly used for induced abortion in those women with a cesarean section history. Its efficacy was similar to that for the ordinary population. Its safety and effectiveness were satisfactory.^ieng

Legalized abortion: a public health success story.

PIP: 60% of more than 2000 women surveyed by the Picker Institute who underwent induced abortion procedures rated the quality of their care as excellent. Another third reported their care as being either very good or good. The survey also found that the quality of abortion care is comparable to other outpatient surgery. However, the high quality of care women receive from abortion providers is lost in the hostile anti-abortion climate created by threatening protesters outside of clinics and the murder of 7 clinic workers and physicians who performed abortions. Abortion opponents fail to acknowledge that legal abortion is a medical procedure which protects women's health and saves their lives. Before abortion was legalized in the US, countless women were either rendered unable to reproduce or died from abortion-related complications. Efforts to outlaw abortion persist despite it being widely recognized by medical experts as one of the most safe medical procedures currently performed in the US. When state legislatures target abortion providers with unduly strict regulations, abortion becomes prohibitively expensive and difficult to obtain.^ieng

The political challenges and educational opportunities around very early abortion.

PIP: In 1998, the US House of Representatives amended an appropriations bill to prohibit the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from approving abortifacients. While it would have had broader implications, this amendment targeted mifepristone, which has been used since 1988 in France to cause early medical abortions. The measure failed to gain the support of the Senate after opponents argued that it would represent an inappropriate interference of the Congress into scientific processes and pointed out that mifepristone is a promising treatment for other conditions, such as Cushing's syndrome and endometriosis. Mifepristone is just one of a number of emerging technologies that allow women to obtain abortions at very early stages of pregnancy. Most public support for abortion is directed to early abortion, and most US women have early abortions (50% in the first eight weeks, and 90% in the first trimester). A 1997 poll revealed that the US public is largely uninformed about drugs used for early abortion, such as mifepristone or the cancer-fighting drug methotrexate, which is being used off-label as an abortifacient. However, 4200 medical abortions were performed in the US in 1996, and this figure increased to 4300 in the first half of 1997. The public must be informed that the process of medical abortion is not as simple as "popping a pill" but requires several days of medical supervision. In France, the abortion rate has declined since mifepristone was introduced.^ieng

Single and repeated elective abortions in Japan: a psychosocial study.

Despite its social, legal and medical importance, termination of pregnancy (TOP) (induced abortion) has rarely been the focus of psychosocial research. Of a total of 1329 women who consecutively attended the antenatal clinic of a general hospital in Japan, 635 were expecting their first baby. Of these 635 women, 103 (16.2%) had experienced TOP once previously (first aborters), while 47 (7.4%) had experienced TOP two or more times (repeated aborters). Discriminant function analysis was performed using psychosocial variables found to be significantly associated with either first abortion or repeated abortion in bivariate analyses. This revealed that both first and repeated aborters could be predicted by smoking habits and an unwanted current pregnancy while the repeated aborters appear to differ from first aborters in having a longer pre-marital dating period, non-arranged marriages, smoking habits, early maternal loss experience or a low level of maternal care during childhood. These findings suggest that both the frequency of abortion and its repetition have psychosocial origins.

PIP: A psychosocial study was performed to identify aspects of life history, obstetric history, health behavior, marriage, and other psychosocial variables in relation to termination of pregnancy (TOP) among 1329 women in Kawasaki, Japan. Respondents were given a set of questionnaires in early pregnancy except for the Parental Bonding Instrument, which was completed during mid-pregnancy. Of the 1329 women who consecutively attended the antenatal clinic, 635 were expecting their first baby. Of these 635 women, 103 (16.2%) had experienced TOP once in the past; 47 (7.4%) were repeated aborters. The discriminant function analysis performed using psychosocial variables was found to be significantly associated with either first abortion or repeated abortion in the bivariate analysis. This showed that the frequency of abortion of the first aborters could be predicted by health behavior, as well as a negative attitude towards pregnancy; repetition of induced abortion could be predicted by the characteristics of the current marriage and insufficient care given by the subject's mother during childhood, smoking habits, having a longer premarital dating period, and nonarranged marriage. In conclusion, the study suggests that TOP has psychosocial origins.

Pill method failures in women seeking abortion: fourteen years experience.

AIMS: To document predisposing factors in 769 women who had inadvertently conceived while taking oral contraceptive pills reliably. METHODS: Over a 14-year period, 1981-1995, two questionnaires were administered, one for women using the combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) and one for women using the progestogen only pill (POP). RESULTS: More than one predisposing factor was usually present, the most common being diarrhoea and/or vomiting in 39.0%. Antibiotics had been prescribed in 20.5%. COC failure was associated with a high incidence of menstrual disturbance (37.1%). A history of a previous pill failure was obtained in 27.8%. Smoking was a risk factor for women on the COC. Only 6.0% became pregnant during the first month of pill use. As expected, POP users experienced a higher number of pill failures in proportion to the market share, but excess weight and time of taking did not appear to be risk factors. Most COCs failed according to the numbers expected from the market share. CONCLUSIONS: Many pill failures could be averted by better information about known or suspected risk factors, especially gastrointestinal upset and interacting medications. Pill failure is one more reason to discourage smoking in COC users.

PIP: Predisposing factors to oral contraceptive (OC) failure in reliable pill takers were investigated in a survey of 769 women who presented to Wellington (New Zealand) Hospital in 1981-95 for induced abortion. More than one predisposing factor was found in the majority of cases of pill failure. The highest percentage (37%) of pill failures occurred in women 20-24 years of age. The most common risk factor was diarrhea and/or vomiting, present around the time of conception in 39% of women. Another 21% took antibiotics during this period. Menstrual disturbance prior to the pregnancy occurred in 37.1%--a rate higher than that expected from studies of pill use. A history of previous pill failure was present in 27.8%. Smoking was a risk factor in users of combined OCs. 33.7% of women using the progestogen-only pill and 34.2% of combined OC users were under severe stress at the time pregnancy occurred. As expected, progestogen-only pill users experienced a higher rate of failure relative to the market share, but excess weight and the time of pill taking were not risk factors. These findings suggest a need for careful counseling about the potential of gastrointestinal illness and interacting medications to compromise pill effectiveness.