Research by the London School of Economics has shown that in England and Wales the number of medical abortions or abortion using pills rose significantly. In 2011, they accounted for 47% of abortion procedures. In 2021, this increased to 87% of abortion procedures. Very few abortions are being carried out surgically, in comparison.
But what changed between 2011 and 2021, that resulted in this significant jump? In this article, we will take a deep dive into the subject of medical abortion, how it has made women’s lives easier, why more and more individuals are choosing to undergo medical abortion. We’ll also take a look at its safety.
What Is Medical Abortion?
If you’re unclear on the specifics, you’re not alone. Medical abortion refers to an abortion that is carried out using abortion pills. This can be carried out at home (and this is often referred to as pills by post). The pills, namely mifepristone and misoprostol, are able to effectively terminate a pregnancy by inducing miscarriage-like symptoms.
A medical abortion is an effective option for pregnancies with a gestation of up to 10 weeks. After this time, you may need to visit a clinic for a surgical termination. This is due to the increased risk of complications associated with pregnancies over 10 weeks gestation.
Getting into finer the details of this process, medical abortion is a non-invasive, safe and effective way to terminate pregnancies. The mifepristone pill is taken first and is responsible for blocking progesterone – an essential hormone responsible for supporting a pregnancy.
The second tablet, misoprostol, is usually taken 24 to 48 hours later and is responsible for encouraging contractions which expel the pregnancy from the uterus.
While it’s only natural to question the safety of these tablets, medical abortion is considered to be the safest method of terminating an unwanted pregnancy. Mifepristone and misoprostol have both been used in the medical field for quite a while and their safety profile is well-researched.
Rising Popularity: The Numbers Tell a Story
Everyone faced difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, but women with unwanted pregnancies found themselves in a dilemma when it came to accessibility to abortion services. Due to the travel and movement restrictions across regions, getting to your nearest abortion clinic to get a pregnancy terminated was a challenge for many.
Thankfully, the UK Government adapted to the situation and enabled medical providers to offer telephone and video consultations and delivery of the pills by post, allowing women to undergo a medical abortion from the comfort of their home up to 10 weeks gestation, without breaching the lockdown restrictions.
It could be concluded that this change to legislation positively influenced access to abortion. It enabled more women in England and Wales, including those in more remote areas better access to abortion services.
In fact, if we take a look at the official statistics released by the Government of UK , then a huge 85% of the 209,917 abortions conducted in 2020, were medical abortions. The trend has since continued, rising to 87% of all abortion procedures in 2021. And the number of medical abortions, even after the lockdown was lifted, has continued to rise.
Once the pandemic passed, the change to legislation was made permanent. Although you can get abortions free through the NHS, many individuals choose to go private due to the lack of waiting lists. The cost of abortion pill in the UK at a private clinic starts from £500, with many offering inclusive packages to make it more straightforward.
Why Women Prefer Abortion At Home?
So why do women prefer private abortion pills by post? Although it differs greatly between individuals, there are some common reasons women opt for pills by post, including:
Privacy
- Abortion pills by post allow women to avoid visiting clinics. For those who feel uncomfortable visiting a doctor, don’t wish to be seen at a medical establishment due to privacy concerns, or feel vulnerable, abortion pills by post is a valid option.
- Abortion pills allow women to be in the comfort and safety of their home. This enables them to be with their partner or loved ones during a difficult and emotional time. Surrounding yourself with loved ones and a strong support system can be beneficial.
Safety
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), having a medical abortion from the comfort of your home is a safe procedure for pregnancies up to a gestation limit of 10 weeks. Simply put, they affirm the safety and efficacy of these pills, when carried out under proper guidance.
- While no medical procedure is completely free from risk, abortion pills have very little risk of complications.
Autonomy and Control
- Private clinics offer women choice over their own timeline.
- Having full control over the process, abortion pills reinstate a sense of dignity and empower women, as they don’t have to rely on external help for the procedure.
Convenience
- They provide a level of convenience for individuals who do not wish to wait for treatment.
- Abortion pills can help overcome other external issues such as long wait times, travel restrictions and childcare issues, which can make getting to an in-person appointment a challenge.
- For those in remote regions or rural areas, abortion pills by post are simply a more convenient way to terminate a pregnancy than having to travel to a clinic which may not be local.
Are Abortion Pills By Post The Right Choice For You?
Making the decision about whether or not to have an abortion is difficult enough, even without having to consider the different types of abortion available. Ultimately, the right choice is the one that works for you and your individual circumstances.
The choice is completely in your hands. If you have any questions or are unsure about any aspect of abortions, the first step is to contact your GP or an appropriate abortion clinic and speak to someone who will be able to answer any questions you may have and provide the support you need.
