Annotated bibliography of Medical Abortion

Telemedicine for medical abortion: a systematic review by M Endler, A Lavelanet, A Cleeve, B Ganatra, R Gomperts, K Gemzell-Danielsson

Telemedicine is one of the uprising modern technologies which is used to counsel and examine patients in remote areas through telecommunication. In this contemporary era of a global pandemic, the telemedicine systems enable healthcare professionals to examine their patients through social distancing also. This research study on telemedicine for medical abortion revolves around a systematic review involving qualitative and quantitative data. The GRADE approach is used to analyze the data collected to provide the review. The main premises of this study are pre-abortion assessment, counseling, instructions for medication, abortion medication, and follow-up. The data used to assess the success rate of abortion through Telemedicine is used for women 10+0 weeks gestation and above 12 weeks gestation. The focus of this systematic study is on the primary outcomes of the paradigms of abortion’s success rate/safety for women and acceptability for telemedicine (Satisfaction).

According to the findings of this research study, positive findings are evaluated favoring the modern technology of Telemedicine. These positive outcomes include increased flexibility, increased/rapid access to physicians, increased availability of resources, fewer cancellations, and delays. All these outcomes are only possible due to the availability of Telemedicine. The most prominent factor reflected in this study is that early/rapid access to doctors through Telemedicine ensures less travel time, a minimum visit to the clinic, and a short gestation period which results in more safe and efficient abortions. The abortions conducted through Telemedicine are highly acceptable to women. The consequences of abortions through Telemedicine are quite similar to abortions taking place in clinics. According to this study, further development and research are recommended in the field of medical abortion through Telemedicine in order to provide safe medical treatment to women who are living in remote areas.

‌ COVID-19 Abortion Bans and Their Implications for Public Health by Rachel K. Jones, Laura Lindberg, and Elizabeth Witwer

Contemporary society is struggling against the global pandemic covid-19. The public health unit is suffering the most from the consequences of coronavirus. Medical abortion is equally important and fundamental as the other medical procedures in the public health care unit. This is the prime focus of this research article ‌ “COVID-19 Abortion Bans and Their Implications for Public Health”. The paper intends to criticize the restrictions and limitations enforced by the management in the Covid-19 situation. Some politicians are jeopardizing this situation of health crisis by stating that the procedure of abortion is nonessential. Furthermore, the upper management wants to redirect the medical resources and personal care equipment toward other important medical procedures.

The paper reflects upon the fact that limitations and bans on medical abortion have a great impact on the women seeking abortion and the clinics which are providing medical abortion procedures. According to medical associations such as “The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)”, medical abortion is a time-sensitive procedure that could results in complications if not done at the right time. Abortion carried out during the later gestation period will cause danger to the women, and causes mortality risk. According to the analytical survey in the paper, eleven states have tried to restrict or limit access to medical abortions. The restrictions imposed by these state laws include counseling at the facility and parental consent if the age is below eighteen. These restrictions are labeled as protection of the health and safety of the patient but in reality, these limitations are negatively impacting them. During the pandemic, clinics that are providing abortion facilities are facing more difficulties such as increased patient flow, a safe environment, and less capacity. These short-term limitations for medical abortion have lifelong negative consequences.

Works Cited

M Endler, A Lavelanet, A Cleeve, B Ganatra, R Gomperts, K Gemzell-Danielssona. “Telemedicine for medical abortion: a systematic review.” An International journal of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (2019).

Rachel K. Jones, Laura Lindberg and Elizabeth Witwer. “COVID-19 Abortion Bans and Their Implications for Public Health.” (2020).