Abortion: Safety

Abortions are safe when they are carried out with a method that is recommended by WHO and that is appropriate to the pregnancy duration, and when the person carrying out the abortion has the necessary skills.

In addition to non-specialist and specialist doctors, a wide range of health worker cadres – such as auxiliary nurses, auxiliary nurse midwives, nurses, midwives, associate/ advanced associate clinicians, pharmacists and doctors of complementary medicine – can provide various aspects of medical abortion services.

When using the combination mifepristone and misoprostol regimen, the medical abortion process can be self-managed for pregnancies up to 12 weeks of gestation, including the ability to take the medications at home, without direct supervision of a health-care provider.

Ultrasound scanning is not routinely required for the provision of abortion. A physical examination to assess uterine size, determine the last menstrual period and identify symptoms of pregnancy are usually adequate.

Unsafe abortions can be prevented through: 

• Comprehensive sexuality education
• Prevention of unintended pregnancy through use of effective contraception, including emergency contraception
• Provision of legal safe abortion. A safe abortion is an abortion carried out with a method that is recommended by WHO and that is appropriate to the pregnancy duration; and for which the person carrying out the abortion has the necessary skills.