In-depth interviews with medical abortion clients: thoughts on the method and home administration of misoprostol.

OBJECTIVE

To document women's experiences with a home-use mifepristone-misoprostol medical abortion regimen.

METHODS

We conducted in-depth interviews (n = 22) with women who received abortions in the New York City clinic of the ongoing Abortion Rights Mobilization clinical trial. Women received 200 micrograms mifepristone in the clinic and were randomized to self-administer 800 micrograms misoprostol vaginally at home either 24, 48, or 72 hours later. One week later, after their follow-up visits, women were asked to describe their experiences in their own words.

RESULTS

The overwhelming majority of women found the home-use regimen acceptable. Nearly all said that they would not have preferred to return to the clinic for misoprostol, and many stated that the home-use option was the principal appeal of medical abortion. Women described the medical procedure as "natural," private, and noninvasive, and, when describing their physical experiences, noted that the side effects were more tolerable in the comfort of their homes with someone familiar nearby for support. Additionally, most women felt prepared for the experience they encountered and competent in assessing any problems that arose.

CONCLUSION

Home use of misoprostol affords women more flexibility, privacy, and control in their abortions, ultimately allowing them to seek their own comfort level.