Abstract

MISUSE OF AN ABORTION PILL

Roshani Shetye*, Hrishikesh Shelar*, Sourabh Parab*, Assistant Professor, Vilas Mudhe*

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Abstract

Medical termination of pregnancy has been legalized in India since 1971. Medical abortion pill is well effective in early weeks of pregnancy. It is safe only when it is used under medical supervision. This study was carried out to analyse the complications following selfmedication of abortion pills and to suggest measures to prevent such practice. In present study 30 (75%) patients were in age group of 20- 30 years. Illiterate patients were 22(55%). Half of the patients, 20(50%) were having three or more than three children. Majority of women 30(75%) had consumed the abortion pills 1-10 days before coming to the hospital and 14(35%) of patients had come with complain of excessive bleeding per vagina. Incomplete abortion was present in 32 (80%) of patients. Instrumental evacuation was required in 28 (87.5%) patients. Laparotomy for ruptured ectopic and rupture uterus was performed in 1(2.5%) of each patient. 6(15%) patients were severely anaemic. Transfusion of blood was required in 9 (22.5%) of patients. Medical abortion is effective and safe when carried out under medical supervision. Unsupervised use of medical abortion pills was associated with many complications like incomplete abortion, rupture ectopic and ruptured uterus. So, overthe counter sale of medical abortion pill should be restricted. Most sales appeared to be prescription driven, but some over the-counter sales did occur, especially when ability to pay seemed high or the chemist knew the customer. Chemists need accurate information on the drugs they sell as abortifacients, encouragement to promote pregnancy tests, training in encouraging women to see a provider prior to purchase, and visual and written material to hand out. Better adherence to existing regulations for all prescription drugs is important, but the best course is to increase the availability of low-cost, safe abortion services at primary care level.

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