What is Self-Managed Abortion?

01/29/19 • 32 min

2 Listeners

Any conversation we have about reproductive health, reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy, or abortion should include detailed discussions of all of the available options on how abortion care can be accessed-- and that includes self-managed abortion. Self-managed abortion is not a new concept, but it has been historically accessed in unsafe and secretive ways. With the current administration’s constant attacks on reproductive health and rights, as well as the shifting of the Supreme Court with the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh, abortion rights are being undermined and many fear the return of unsafe, self-managed abortion methods. Megan Donovan with the Guttmacher Institute talks to us about the evolving ways in which self-managed abortion is becoming a more easily accessible, safe, and effective option.

You might be interested in the Public Health is Dead podcast: https://www.publichealthisdead.com/ 9o03

Support the show

Follow Us on Social:
Twitter: @rePROsFightBack
Instagram: @reprosfb
Facebook: rePROs Fight Back
Bluesky: @reprosfightback.bsky.social
Email us: [email protected]
Rate and Review on Apple Podcast
Thanks for listening & keep fighting back!

You might be interested in the Public Health is Dead podcast: https://www.publichealthisdead.com/ 9o03

Support the show

Previous Episode

Youth and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: Focus on Uganda

It is critical that young people around the world are engaged and informed on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, with over 75 percent of the population under the age of 35. Maureen Andinda with Reach a Hand Uganda chats with us about the importance of young people’s knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and young people’s role in combating SRHR challenges.

Financial, social, and cultural issues are often deeply rooted in sexual and reproductive health and rights. Young people must have the knowledge and information on SRHR that would allow them to make informed decisions regarding family planning, because deciding if, when, how, and with whom one might have a family with is a basic human right.

You might be interested in the Public Health is Dead podcast: https://www.publichealthisdead.com/ 9o03

Support the show

Next Episode

Here are the facts of New York’s Reproductive Health Act

Sexual and reproductive health and rights discussions, especially in today’s world, can often be depressing, bleak, or just a bit of a downer. But on January 22nd, the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, New York recently passed proactive legislation called the Reproductive Health Act (RHA), which modernizes a state law that previously limited when people could access legal abortion care. Laura McQuade, President and Chief Executive Officer of Planned Parenthood of New York City (PPNYC), sits down with us to talk about the new and exciting Reproductive Health Act.

You might be interested in the Public Health is Dead podcast: https://www.publichealthisdead.com/ 9o03

Support the show

rePROs Fight Back - What is Self-Managed Abortion?

Transcript

Jennie Wetter00:00:10.300

Welcome to rePROs Fight Back a podcast on all things repro. I'm your host Jennie Wetter. In each episode, I'll be taking you to the front lines of the escalating fight over our sexual and reproductive health and rights at home and abroad. Each episode, I will be speaking with leaders who are fighting to protect our reproductive health and rights to ensure that no one's reproductive health depends on where they live. It's time for repros to fi

What is Self-Managed Abortion? Top Questions Answered

What is self-managed abortion?

Self-managed abortion refers to individuals terminating a pregnancy outside of a clinical setting, typically using medication abortion.

How has self-managed abortion evolved?

Self-managed abortion has evolved from unsafe methods like coat hangers or back-alley procedures to the use of medication abortion, which is a safe and effective method.

What is medication abortion?

Medication abortion is a non-surgical method of terminating a pregnancy using two medications: mifepristone followed by misoprostol. It was approved by the FDA in 2000.

Why is accessing medication abortion in the US limited?

Access to medication abortion in the US is limited due to restrictions imposed by the FDA, such as the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), which require specific settings and providers for its administration.

How do state restrictions impact medication abortion provision?

State restrictions on medication abortion can limit who can prescribe the medication and may ban the use of telemedicine for this purpose, thereby impacting its provision.

How can access to medication abortion be expanded?

Access to medication abortion can be expanded by removing unnecessary restrictions, allowing a broader range of healthcare providers to offer this care, and eliminating the REMS imposed by the FDA.

What barriers contribute to self-managed medication abortion?

Stigma, fear, and lack of awareness contribute to the barriers faced when considering self-managed medication abortion.

What role does education play in increasing access to medication abortion?

Education plays a crucial role in increasing access to medication abortion by demystifying the procedure, promoting open and honest discussions, and spreading awareness about its safety and effectiveness.

What percentage of non-hospital abortions did medication abortion account for in 2014?

Medication abortion accounted for 31% of all non-hospital abortions in 2014.

How can self-managed abortion benefit individuals in rural or underserved communities?

Self-managed abortion can benefit individuals in rural or underserved communities by providing enhanced privacy and autonomy through telemedicine and online access.

What barriers need to be addressed for self-managed abortion?

Barriers such as criminalization, affordability, religious refusals, and the need for accurate information and resources need to be addressed for self-managed abortion.

Show more Questions