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Treatment with misoprostol by midwives is safe and effective

Lancet • 2015
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Publication Information
Authors A badawy; A Elnashar
Keywords misoprostol, abortion, midwifes
Journal Lancet
Publisher Not Available
Volume 385
Issue 9985
Pages 2335-2337
publication.type International
Paper Link Not Available
Supplementary Materials Not Available
Abstract
Incomplete abortion is defi ned as the presence of
retained products of conception with no well-defi ned
gestation sac. It is a potentially life-threatening
condition that without well-timed and proper treatment
can lead to severe complications such as haemorrhagic
shock, sepsis, and death. Abortion-related complications
still contribute substantially to maternal morbidity and
mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Backup treatment of
complications from unsafe abortion and spontaneous
abortion (post-abortion care) is an eff ective
intervention to reduce maternal mortality. The postabortion care model consists of emergency treatment of abortion-related complications, post-abortion contraceptive counselling, and free contraception. The lack of physicians in many low-income countries restricts women’s access to post-abortion care. In Africa, the shortage of trained health-care providers is greatest in rural and remote areas where maternal mortality and morbidity is highest.