Condition: In contexts where established health system mechanisms involve auxiliary nurses/ANMs in providing basic emergency obstetric care, and where referral and monitoring systems are strong.

Implementation considerations

• The skills required for the provision of both MVA and EVA are similar, so the recommendations above apply to both. MVA is more commonly used and more likely to be used in primary care settings.
• Uncomplicated incomplete abortion can result after an induced or spontaneous abortion (i.e. miscarriage). The management is identical and the above recommendations apply to both.
• The evacuation of retained products is also a signal function of basic emergency obstetric care (EmOC) and training and implementation can be integrated with EmOC services.

KEY HUMAN RIGHTS CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT TO MANAGEMENT OF INCOMPLETE ABORTION

• States must ensure adequate access to essential medicines in an affordable and nondiscriminatory manner.
• Regardless of whether abortion is legal, States are required to ensure access to postabortion care where it is needed.
• Post-abortion care must be available on a confidential basis, including in situations where abortion is illegal.
• Post-abortion care must be available without the threat of criminal prosecution or punitive measures. States must not require health workers to report persons suspected of undertaking unlawful abortion, or require them to provide any potentially incriminating information during or as a prerequisite to receiving post-abortion care.