From the study on Service Management Systems and Acceptability of Medical Termination of Pregnancy in Thailand The study on “Service Management Systems and Acceptability of Medical Termination of Pregnancy in Thailand” found that there are 5 advantages and 4 limitations from providers of medical termination of pregnancy compared to procedural methods from the perspective of service providers as follows:
5 Advantages
1. It is a method of terminating pregnancy that the service recipient can perform by themselves under the guidance and care of medical personnel.
2. Reduces the burden on medical personnel because the patient can take the second medication (Misoprostol ”) home for use.
3. Service providers can manage patient services in a one stop service manner without disturbing other patient groups.
4. It is a simple and convenient service.
5. Provides more peace of mind in service provision than procedural methods, as the provider does not have to act directly, reducing the discomfort of the physician in providing the service significantly.
4 Limitations
1. Limitation of gestational age not exceeding 63 days.
2. Takes longer to complete the termination process than procedural methods.
3. The necessity to schedule appointments for service recipients with travel and cost issues, leading to problems with not attending follow-up appointments as scheduled.
4. In cases where the service recipient is unsuccessful in terminating the pregnancy with medication, additional procedures are required.
Note: Recently, in June B.E. 2559 (2016), the Subcommittee on the Development of the National List of Essential Medicines (FDA) considered selecting Mifepristone and Misoprostol packaged together (Medabon®) to be included in the sub-list of the National List of Essential Medicines for medical termination of pregnancy for gestational age not exceeding 24 weeks, to be used only in registered healthcare facilities with the Department of Health.
In Thailand, we will find it under the trade name of Misoprostol as Cytotec, and Mifepristone as Ru-486 according to illegal abortion drug sales websites.
Reference: Journal of Health Promotion and Environmental Health, Volume 39