Ensuring that choice of abortion method includes surgical and legally permissible second-trimester services

Overview

While the use of medical abortion has expanded with a growth in registration and distribution of medical abortion products, surgical abortion remains a critical service for the delivery of post-abortion care, for when a medical abortion is contraindicated, and for abortion beyond the first trimester. Furthermore, the continued provision of high-quality surgical abortion procedures ensures that clients have a choice. Maintaining client choice is not only important for respecting bodily autonomy, it also helps build better acceptance of abortion and break down stigma.

Because each method offers very different experiences, evidence demonstrates that people tend to have strong preferences and  satisfaction is higher when people can choose their preferred method. People place high value on having decision-power over their health.