Efficacy

Safety

Complications

Medical abortion

92% with mifepristone plus misoprostol regime (up to 7 weeks); 96% with misoprostol-only regime (up to 8 weeks)

A 6- to 8-hour interval between mifepristone administration and vaginal misoprostol administration has been shown to be as effective as a 24-hour interval and results in significantly fewer adverse effects.

Gastrointestinal discomfort, abdominal pain, excessive vaginal bleeding, headache, dizziness and fatigue, incomplete abortion or continuing pregnancy requiring surgical evacuation

Surgical abortion

98% - 99% with vacuum aspiration

Cervical priming prior to surgical evacuation reduces the risks of cervical injury by making the cervix softer and easier to dilate.

Bleeding requiring transfusion, uterine perforation, cervical trauma, uterine rupture, infection, continuation of pregnancy and incomplete abortion requiring further intervention