Abstract
Googling Abortion Pills: The Ease of Buying Misoprostol and Mifepristone Online for Home Use [1N]
Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953), Vol.133 Suppl 1(1), pp.150S-150S
05/2019
DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000559307.14716.87
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:In an era of increasing abortion restrictions at the state level, as well as ease of access to information online, misoprostol and mifepristone bought online has become an option for some women seeking to end their pregnancy. This study seeks to elucidate the type of information available online as well as the credibility of websites selling these medications.
METHODS:Eight search terms were identified using top keywords related to medical abortion and self-managed abortion. IRB approval was waived. Depersonalized, delocalized searches for each of these eight terms were done using Google, Yahoo!, and Bing, and the top 50 results were recorded. Unique websites with health information about abortion were further analyzed for medical information and sales of mifepristone and/or misoprostol.
RESULTS:Out of the 1200 search results located, there were 327 unique websites and 109 websites that met our inclusion criteria. Of these, there were 25.7% non-profits, 23.9% general information sites, 20.2% primarily selling medications, 10.1% affiliated with clinics/hospitals, 13.8% affiliated with crisis pregnancy centers, and 6.4% of other types. Over one third (34.9%) were clearly pro-abortion and 23.9% were anti-abortion. 34.9% advised taking the medications without a provider involved and 22.6% of the websites sold medications, with an average price of $214 for a pack with 200 mg mifepristone and 800 mcg misoprostol.
CONCLUSION:There are a large number of websites selling mifepristone and misoprostol for home use without a physician. This is important for physicians to be aware of since women may seek care after use of these medications.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Googling Abortion Pills: The Ease of Buying Misoprostol and Mifepristone Online for Home Use [1N]
- Creators
- Courtney Kerestes - University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IAMikayla FreeseColleen StockdaleAbbey Hardy-Fairbanks
- Resource Type
- Abstract
- Publication Details
- Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953), Vol.133 Suppl 1(1), pp.150S-150S
- Publisher
- by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved
- DOI
- 10.1097/01.AOG.0000559307.14716.87
- ISSN
- 0029-7844
- eISSN
- 1873-233X
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 05/2019
- Academic Unit
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Record Identifier
- 9984316888502771
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