Remark

• For medical abortion at gestational ages < 14 weeks, if NSAIDS (e.g. ibuprofen) are not available or not an option, then acetaminophen can be considered for pain control.

Implementation consideration

• Regardless of the service modality, there should be clear communication to the woman on the pain she may experience, which may vary based on pain perceptions and tolerance. In any event, she should be provided with information on pain management, and access to adequate pain medicines should be ensured.

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. For further information and sources, please refer to Box 1.2 and Web annex A: Key international human rights standards on abortion.