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Analysis Study Research Paper | Medical Science | India | Volume 13 Issue 2, February 2024
Are Over-the-Counter Abortion Pills Safe? A Study on Abortion Pill Self-Medication Outcomes
Dr. Ruchi Birendra
Abstract: Background: Consumption of medical abortion pills without supervision is becoming a health risk for the general public. However, since abortion pills are available over the counter, the practice of self-administering these medications is widespread across the nation. Because of this widespread usage, we intended to conduct this study to assess the clinical presentation and outcome of patients suffering from this condition. Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pregnant women self-administering abortion medications and reporting to a tertiary care center. Method: A prospective observational study was conducted on 40 patients who presented to the Postpartum OPD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, S.S. Hospital BHU, after self-administering medical abortion pills. Results: The most common presenting symptom was excessive vaginal bleeding. Self-administration of abortion medications typically results in partial abortions. Fifteen percent of the patients showed signs of shock, and thirty percent of the patients had severe anemia. Other complications related to self-administered abortion drugs included sepsis, severe bleeding, failed abortion, and ectopic pregnancy. Conclusion: Most pregnant women taking MTP pills experience substantial side effects, such as bleeding, missed or incomplete abortions, and ectopic pregnancies. This study demonstrates the urgent need for laws and restrictions on over-the-counter medications available for medical termination of pregnancy. It is also necessary to increase women's awareness of the side effects of using MTP pills without prior counsel.
Keywords: Medical abortion pills, Self-administration, complications, Unsafe abortion, over-the-counter medications
Edition: Volume 13 Issue 2, February 2024,
Pages: 742 - 745