Provision of telemedicine medication abortion without in-person tests: Results from a clinical study in Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan
New published research shows that provision of medication abortion by telemedicine without in-person tests is safe, feasible and acceptable to women and providers in Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan. Among the 300 eligible women interested in managing their abortion this way, nearly all got the abortion medications the same day as their first contact with the clinic, the majority had a complete abortion using the medication provided (Ukraine 96%; Uzbekistan 98%; Azerbaijan 98%), and few attended a clinic for an in-person visit. Following completion of the clinical study, our partners in Ukraine remained active in policy-related initiatives that resulted in changes to national abortion guidelines to include telemedicine services.
SOURCE: International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics,by Tsereteli T, Platais I, Maru M, Maystruk G, Kurbanbekova D, Rzayeva G, Winikoff B. May 2024. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.15708
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New randomized trial in Mexico assessing possible ‘period pills’ — regimens to induce menstrual bleeding
“Preparation for a new study is in progress with partner clinics in Mexico to assess two regimens for treatment of early missed menses, a potential option for inducing menstruation following a missed period to ensure a state of non-pregnancy. Building on insights gained from a pilot study that evaluated a new ‘period pills’ regimen using medicines currently registered and available in Mexico, enrollment in the larger randomized trial is expected to begin this summer. This option could expand choice to people with late periods who do not want to be pregnant and prefer not to know their pregnancy status before taking medications to bring back their menses.”
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Medication abortion training programme for pharmacists in Washington State: Commentary
“A new program was launched in Washington state to train pharmacists on screening for medication abortion eligibility, prescribing abortion pills, and dispensing them from pharmacy stores. Gynuity’s work that supports streamlining medication abortion provision helped pave the path for this type of program. Use of our sample protocol offering guidance on the provision of medication abortion without routine facility-based tests before or after treatment is cited by the program implementers as a resource guide for their pharmacist training.”
SOURCE:”No-test” medication abortion: a sample protocol for increasing access during a pandemic and beyond. by Raymond EG, Grossman D, Mark A, Upadhyay UD, Dean G, Creinin MD, Coplon L, Perritt J, Atrio JM, Taylor D, Gold M. Contraception 2020.
SOURCE: Gynuity Health Projects Newsletter, 18 June 2024