Early medical abortion can be safely offered to pregnant people up to 63 days gestation who have made an informed, voluntary choice for an abortion and:
- have an intrauterine pregnancy
- have had a caesarean section
- have a multi-fetal pregnancy
- are obese
- have uterine abnormalities, including fibroids
- have positive STI pathology and have commenced treatment
- wish to avoid surgical intervention
- are currently breastfeeding
- have available supports, can access emergency care and be active in post-procedure follow-up
- are able to commence MS2Step at or before day 63 gestation.
Please refer to the early medical abortion procedure summary and clinical guidelines on this page, in Related information and Downloads.
For safe and effective care
- Establish accurate expectations for normal pain and bleeding associated with administration of MS2Step
- Pre-load with medications prior to misoprostol administration and in the first 24 hours
- Provide written information of expected symptoms
- Provide written information of symptoms that require review with an action plan
- Follow-up is important to assess wellbeing and resolution of the pregnancy.
Online training: Early medical abortion
Enrol in free, online training modules by the Women’s to grow your foundational knowledge and skills in best practice early medical abortion care.
Recommended for medical practitioners, nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives, pharmacists and social workers who have a role in sexual and reproductive health care.
- Course 1: Early Medical Abortion
- Course 2 (new – Sept 2024): Follow Up After Early Medical Abortion
These courses are part of the Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinical Champion program. Funded by the Victorian Department of Health, the training modules are available on the Women’s Health Victoria website.
Related information
Downloads and Related Topics
Date reviewed: 09 October 2024
Date reviewed: 09 October 2024