Bibliographic information
GuidelineAbortion care guideline
Year of Publication2022
Issuing InstitutionWHO
Recommendation
Updated
Prior to surgical abortion at any gestational age: Recommend cervical priming with medication by traditional and complementary medicine professionals, auxiliary nurses/auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs), nurses, midwives, associate/advanced associate clinicians
Recommended in favor
Strong
Notes and Remarks
Implementation consideration
- Given that cervical priming initiates the process and is done prior to a surgical procedure, with an interval of up to 1–2 days, it is important that the health worker ensures the continuity of care for the woman by ensuring that there is a clear plan for the surgical abortion prior to the woman taking the priming agent and she has access to the existing health system should she desire or need additional support during that interval.
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.