From UNC: Medical Abortion Reversal: Science and Politics Meet

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Nov 12. pii: S0002-9378(17)32320-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.11.555. [Epub ahead of print]

Medical Abortion Reversal: Science and Politics Meet.

Bhatti KZ1, Nguyen AT2, Stuart GS1.

Author information

1

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

2

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Electronic address: antoinette_nguyen@med.unc.edu.

Abstract

Medical abortion is a safe, effective, and acceptable option for patients seeking an early non-surgical abortion. In 2014, medical abortion accounted for nearly one-third (31%) of all abortions performed in the United States. State-level attempts to restrict reproductive and sexual health have recently included bills that require physicians to inform women that a medical abortion is reversible. In this commentary, we will review the history, current evidence-based regimen, and regulation of medical abortion. We will then examine current proposed and existing abortion reversal legislation. The objective of this commentary is to ensure physicians are armed with rigorous evidence to inform patients, communities, and policy makers about the safety of medical abortion. Furthermore, given the current paucity of evidence for medical abortion reversal, physicians and policymakers can dispel bad science and misinformation and advocate against medical abortion reversal legislation.