Despite the ready availability of effective contraception, termination of pregnancy continues to be a substantial health care need. In Britain, the Abortion Act allows pregnancy to be terminated provided that two medical practitioners agree that the specific criteria of the act have been met. A range of methods are available including medical termination using mifepristone followed 48h later by prostaglandin and surgical termination under general anaesthesia, local anaesthesia or conscious sedation. The method choices and safety are greatest when termination is carried out before 10 weeks gestation. Unfortunately women continue to meet negative judgmental attitudes both in primary and secondary care, delaying referral and stifling choice.
ABSTRACT
h later by prostaglandin and surgical termination under general anaesthesia, local anaesthesia or conscious sedation. The method choices and safety are greatest when termination is carried out before 10 weeks gestation. Unfortunately women continue to meet negative judgmental attitudes both in primary and secondary care, delaying referral and stifling choice.