Sammanfattning
BACKGROUND: In Norway, abortions are performed only in public hospitals. In 2010, the Ministry of Health and Care Services decided to initiate a two-year pilot project that would permit obstetricians and gynaecologists (specialists) in private practice to provide medical abortions before the end of the ninth week of gestation. The pilot project was launched on 1 March 2015 and lasted until 31 March 2017. In this article we present the first experience, including how this treatment programme was received by the women concerned.
MATERIAL AND METHOD: Pregnant women with a gestation period < 63 days determined by ultrasonographic assessment who sought out a specialist in private practice to obtain a medical abortion were included in the project on an ongoing basis (n = 476). The women took 200 mg mifepristone orally in the doctor’s surgery, and inserted 800 µg misoprostol vaginally at home 36–48 hours later. Information was collected in a questionnaire after the first consultation, during the abortion and at the check-up 2–4 weeks after the abortion.
RESULTS: During the abortion, 66 % (296/450) reported moderate or severe pain, and 79 % (358/451) moderate or severe bleeding. The majority felt safe in their home environment. 96 % (392/405) would recommend this treatment option to others in the same situation.
INTERPRETATION: The women in the study felt safe in having the abortion procedure performed by a specialist in private practice. This option provides greater freedom of choice to pregnant women who wish to have an abortion, and the patients are satisfied.