Are obstetrician-gynecologists in India aware of and providing medical abortion ?

OBJECTIVE(S) : To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to mifepristone-misoprostol medical abortion among Indian obstetrician-gynecologists. METHOD(S) : A self-administered questionnaire documenting provider and facility characteristics, familiarity with mifepristonemisoprostol abortion, and opinions about medical abortion practice patterns was mailed to a nationally representative sample of 1000 members of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI). When possible, nonresponders were followed up and interviewed by phone. A total of 440 completed questionnaires were received. RESULTS : Nearly all (90%) respondents, including 79% of those not providing the method, reported at least some familiarity with mifepristone-misoprostol. Use of medical abortion was significant (69%) and generally entailed 200 mg mifepristone (50%) and 400 mu g misoprostol (73%) administerd orally (75%). Thirty percent of current providers prescribed both mifepristone and misoprostol for home use. Medical abortion nonproviders had concerns about compliance (77%), and safety and efficacy (70%). CONCLUSION(S) : Medical abortion is beginning to enter mainstream abortion practice of FOGSI members.