Danielle Mazza1, Gwendoline Burton2, Simon Wilson3, Emma Boulton4, Janet Fairweather5, Kirsten I Black6. 1. MD, MBBS, FRACGP, DRANZCOG, Grad Dip Women@s Health, GAICD, Head, Department of General Practice, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University; Conjoint Professor, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle; Fellow, Society of Family Planning, USA; National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Vic. 2. MBBS, FRACGP (Hon), Maternity Lead, Brisbane South PHN, Qld; Chair, RACGP Antenatal/Postnatal Specific Interest Group, Vic. 3. FRACGP, General practitioner, Preston@Family Medical, Vic. 4. MBBS, FRACGP, MPH, DFFP, Director, Clinic 66, NSW. 5. MBBS, BSc (Biomedical), FRACGP, Dip. CH, Medical Doctor, Marie Stopes Australia, Vic. 6. MBBS, MMed, FRANZCOG, DDu, PhD, MFSRH, Associate Professor, Discipline of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Medical abortion (using mifepristone followed by misoprostol to end an early pregnancy) is a more accessible and less invasive option than surgical termination and can be provided in primary care settings. However, few general practitioners (GPs) currently provide this service, and there remains great inequity in access to abortion across Australia, particularly for young women and those living in rural and remote area. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to help Australian GPs better understand the practical and legal considerations of providing medical abortion to patients. DISCUSSION: Provision of medical abortion is well within the scope of community general practice and improves the comprehensiveness of women's sexual and reproductive health services that GPs can deliver. This article will help GPs to better understand the process involved in providing medical abortion, including the practical considerations for patients; be better equipped to support patients who have decided that medical abortion is an appropriate choice for them; and make an informed decision as to whether to become a provider of medical abortion.
BACKGROUND: Medical abortion (using mifepristone followed by misoprostol to end an early pregnancy) is a more accessible and less invasive option than surgical termination and can be provided in primary care settings. However, few general practitioners (GPs) currently provide this service, and there remains great inequity in access to abortion across Australia, particularly for young women and those living in rural and remote area. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to help Australian GPs better understand the practical and legal considerations of providing medical abortion to patients. DISCUSSION: Provision of medical abortion is well within the scope of community general practice and improves the comprehensiveness of women's sexual and reproductive health services that GPs can deliver. This article will help GPs to better understand the process involved in providing medical abortion, including the practical considerations for patients; be better equipped to support patients who have decided that medical abortion is an appropriate choice for them; and make an informed decision as to whether to become a provider of medical abortion.