Both in conjunction with the abortion and at the follow-up visit, there is an opportunity to discuss contraception. The course of a medical abortion is similar to a miscarriage. The method can be used to the end of the 9th week of pregnancy and is recommended especially for women who have already had children. Medical abortion was introduced in 1992 and has since gained in popularity. In 1998, approximately every third abortion was performed by a medical method.
Medical abortion requires the woman to swallow abortifacient tablets at a visit to the doctor.
When she has taken the tablets, she can go home. Two days later, the woman must return to the hospital where she will receive medication to initiate uterine contractions. Sometimes there is pain similar to menstruation, and she is given pain medication on request. After a few hours, she will experience bleeding followed by expulsion of mucous membranes and the fetus. She must stay at the hospital for observation for about 4-6 hours.