Remote Medication Abortion Service Using Telemedicine for Women in Ecuador Up to 12 Weeks Pregnant

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate a telemedicine service for providing legal medication abortion in Ecuador, focusing on women who are less than 12 weeks pregnant. The study is observational and seeks to determine if this remote model is safe, feasible, and acceptable to users. It involves women contacting private providers for a medication abortion and explores how well telemedicine can support sexual and reproductive rights. Participants receive medication abortion using a regimen of misoprostol alone, with three doses of 800 mcg taken sublingually every three hours, plus an optional extra dose if needed. The study involves remote consultations for screening and counseling, shipment of the medication package, and follow-up contacts. Women receive detailed instructions and support via telemedicine, and medications are sent to their address once eligibility is confirmed. During the study, participants are screened and consent remotely, take medications at home, and have follow-up interviews 10 to 15 days after treatment to assess abortion completeness. The researchers collect data on safety, feasibility, and user satisfaction through interviews and medical assessments. The total follow-up includes monitoring adverse events and service acceptability over six weeks, ensuring participants have access to care and support throughout the process.

Evaluation of Telemedicine Medical Abortion Service in Ecuador