What Is a Safe Medical Termination of Pregnancy?
Table of Contents
Definition & Scope
Medical termination employs a two‑drug regimen—mifepristone followed by misoprostol—to induce uterine contractions and expel pregnancy tissue.
Recommended up to 63 days (9 weeks) gestation; beyond this, surgical options are advised.
Refer to medicalTerminationOverviewGraphic for a concise overview.
Eligibility & Contraindications
- • Confirmed intrauterine pregnancy ≤63 days by ultrasound or reliable dating.
- • No ectopic pregnancy, bleeding disorders, or chronic adrenal failure.
- • Ability to access emergency care if needed.
- • Use eligibilityFlowchartGraphic to verify your eligibility.
Medication Protocol
Day 1: 200 mg mifepristone orally under supervision.
Day 2–3: 800 mcg misoprostol vaginally or buccally 24–48 hours later.
Cramping and bleeding begin within hours to days of misoprostol.
See pillProtocolGraphic for dosage details and administration tips.
Procedure Timeline
Initial consult: history, exam, counselling, informed consent.
Medication days: administration, pain management plan, home care instructions.
Follow‑up visit within 7–14 days to confirm completion by ultrasound or clinical assessment.
Common Side Effects & Management
- • Bleeding: heavier than a period for 1–2 days, tapering over 7–14 days.
- • Cramping: treat with NSAIDs, heat packs, and rest.
- • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea: hydrate, eat small frequent meals.
- • Refer to sideEffectsManagementGraphic for home‑care tips.
Emergency Warning Signs
Excessive bleeding (soaking >2 pads/hour for >2 hours).
High fever (>38 °C) lasting >24 hours despite paracetamol.
Severe pain unrelieved by prescribed medication.
See emergencyWarningSignsGraphic for when to seek immediate care.
Choosing a Safe Provider
Ensure provider is a registered medical practitioner authorized under the MTP Act.
Confirm the clinic has privacy policies, emergency protocols, and trained staff.
Use providerChecklistGraphic to prepare questions and verify credentials.
Aftercare & Emotional Support
Rest, avoid heavy lifting, maintain personal hygiene and abstain from intercourse for 1 week.
Hydrate, eat nourishing foods, and track bleeding and symptoms.
Access counselling or peer support to process emotions.
Refer to aftercareChecklistGraphic and supportResourcesGraphic for holistic guidance.
Legal Rights & Confidentiality
Medical termination is legal up to 20 weeks under the MTP Act; privacy is protected by law.
No requirement for police or court clearance; consent is kept strictly confidential.
Discuss rights with your provider and refer to mythBustGraphic to counter misinformation.
Debunking Common Myths
- • “Pills cause infertility.” → Safe use does not affect future fertility.
- • “It’s painful beyond limits.” → Proper management makes side effects tolerable.
- • See mythBustGraphic for more fact‑based clarifications.
Next Steps
- • Confirm your gestational age and eligibility with a provider using eligibilityFlowchartGraphic.
- • Schedule a consultation and review the pillProtocolGraphic together.
- • Line up a trusted support person and access resources from supportResourcesGraphic.