Remark

• There was limited evidence for cervical priming for gestational ages between 12 and 14 weeks and therefore health workers should use clinical judgement to decide on the most convenient method for cervical priming prior to vacuum aspiration for this gestational age range.

Implementation consideration

• The use of medication for cervical priming prior to surgical abortion beyond 12–14 weeks of gestation can be self-managed and can save travel time for the woman and staff time spent on insertion of osmotic dilators.

KEY HUMAN RIGHTS CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT TO CERVICAL PRIMING

• Denial of cervical priming as punishment for abortion or because it is part of abortion care may violate the right to non-discrimination and equality. For further information and sources, please refer to Box 1.2 and Web annex A: Key international human rights standards on abortion