Practitioners involved in abortion care face numerous challenges, particularly in legally restrictive environments. A recent study titled Medical technologies and abortion care in Eastern Uganda offers valuable insights into the complexities of abortion care in such contexts. Conducted in Iganga district, Eastern Uganda, the research highlights how legal, social, and economic factors influence the use and effectiveness of medical technologies in abortion care.
Key findings from the study can guide practitioners in improving their skills and outcomes in abortion care:
- Gestational Age and Ultrasound: Determining gestational age is crucial for choosing the appropriate abortion technology. Ultrasound technology, although not widely available, is essential for accurate gestational dating and detecting complications like retained products of conception.
- Drug Usage: Misoprostol, Mifepristone, and Divabo are commonly used drugs. Misoprostol is widely accessible but often misused due to incorrect dosages, leading to incomplete abortions. Training on proper dosage and administration is critical.
- Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA): MVA is effective for pregnancies under 12 weeks but requires proper sterilization and assembly. Inadequate training and poor sterilization practices can lead to infections and incomplete abortions.
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C): D&C is effective but carries risks of uterine perforation and excessive bleeding. Proper training and careful monitoring are essential to minimize these risks.
- Financial and Legal Constraints: The criminalization of abortion influences the choice of technology and the quality of care. Financial incentives often drive practitioners to perform abortions, sometimes compromising patient safety. Understanding and navigating these constraints is crucial for improving care.
Practitioners can benefit from further research and training on these technologies and their application in restrictive legal contexts. Emphasizing the importance of proper training, accurate gestational dating, and safe practices can significantly improve abortion care outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Medical technologies and abortion care in Eastern Uganda.
