Medical Abortion is Safe Even at the Very Early Stages of Pregnancy

Nov 11, 2024
HUS

Obtaining a medical abortion only after pregnancy is confirmed by ultrasound can extend waiting times and increase the psychological and physical burden on the person seeking an abortion. A large international study confirmed that medical abortion is an effective and safe method to terminate a pregnancy even before it is visible on an ultrasound.

Medical abortion is performed using medication without surgical intervention. In 2023, as many as 99 percent of all terminations were done with medication. Traditionally, medical termination has been performed only after pregnancy is confirmed by ultrasound. Medical termination uses two different medications: the first, mifepristone, blocks the effects of the corpus luteum hormone on the uterus, and the second, misoprostol, causes uterine contractions and empties the contents of the uterus. Medical abortion can often be done at home using instructions that the patient can follow.

Continued: https://www.hus.fi/en/newsroom/medical-abortion-safe-even-very-early-stages-pregnancy