Medical Abortion Won't Affect Future Pregnancies

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Even after adjusting for maternal age, gestational age and socioeconomic status, the researchers didn't find any statistically significant difference in complications of future pregnancies between the medical and surgical abortion groups.

"Mifepristone medication abortion is a safe, effective option for early pregnancy termination, and this study provides Planned Parenthood with valuable information for our doctors and our patients," said Dr. Vanessa Cullins, vice president for medical affairs for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

"The data from this study shows health-care providers and women that medication abortion compares very well with surgical abortion for safety and effectiveness for women who want to plan healthy pregnancies in the future," she added.

"Medical termination is definitely easier for women, and patients can be reassured that it's safe and isn't experimental," said Dr. Miriam Greene, an obstetrician and gynecologist at New York University Medical Center.

But, she added, "Women still have to be careful and use contraception and practice safe sex."

More information

To learn more about the differences between medical and surgical abortion, read this article from the University of California, San Francisco.