Bibliographic information

GuidelineAbortion care guideline, 2nd ed
Year of Publication2024
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization

Recommendation

New

For both medical and surgical abortion at < 12 weeks: Recommend against anti-D immunoglobulin administration.

Recommended against

Strong

Notes and Remarks

Remarks

  • Standard of care applies for anti-D administration at gestational ages ≥ 12 weeks.

Implementation considerations

  • Routine laboratory testing, including Rh testing, is not a requirement for abortion services at any gestational age.
  • Determination of Rh status and the offer of anti-D prophylaxis are not considered prerequisites for early medical abortion at gestational ages before 12 weeks.

KEY HUMAN RIGHTS CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT TO Rh ISOIMMUNIZATION

  • States must ensure access to up-to-date scientific technologies necessary for women. For further information and sources, please refer to Box 1.2 and Web annex A: Key international human rights standards on abortion.