Remark:

• For cervical priming (Recommendation 13), additional pain medication can be considered, such as the use of intravaginal gel.

Implementation considerations

• Sufficient supplies and stocks of pain medications should be ensured.
• Training of providers in abortion care should include pain management, in particular the technique for administration of paracervical block.

KEY HUMAN RIGHTS CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT TO PAIN MANAGEMENT

• States must ensure adequate access to essential medicines in an affordable and non-discriminatory manner.
• Denial of pain medication may violate a wide range of human rights, including the right to health and autonomy in decisionmaking.
• Denial of pain medication as punishment for abortion or because it is part of abortion care may violate the right to equality and nondiscrimination.
• Denial of pain medication may violate the right to be free from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.