• J T Jensen, S M Harvey, and L J Beckman.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201, USA.
• Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 2000 Jun 1; 182 (6): 1292-9.

ObjectiveWe sought to compare the acceptability of suction curettage abortion with that of medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol in American women.Study DesignWe performed a prospective, serially enrolled, cohort analysis. The study population consisted of 152 subjects receiving mifepristone and misoprostol and 174 subjects undergoing suction curettage abortion aged > or =18 years with intrauterine pregnancies of up to 63 days' estimated gestation. Questionnaires regarding expectations and experiences were administered before the abortion and at the 2-week follow-up visit.ResultsSubjects undergoing medical abortions reported significantly greater satisfaction than those undergoing surgical abortions (mean rank, 121 vs 149; P <.01) but were no more likely to recommend the method they had just experienced to a friend (97% vs 93.3%). If a future abortion was required, however, 41.7% of subjects undergoing surgical abortions indicated they would opt for a medical abortion, whereas only 8.6% of subjects receiving medical abortions would choose a surgical abortion (P <.001). Failure of the abortion decreased satisfaction in the medical group and increased the likelihood of choosing a surgical abortion for a subsequent procedure (P <.001). Surgical subjects who experienced more anxiety than expected during the abortion were more likely to choose a medical procedure for a subsequent abortion (P <.01).ConclusionWomen receiving mifepristone and misoprostol were more satisfied with their method and more likely to choose the same method again than were subjects undergoing surgical abortion. Failure of a medical abortion and increased anxiety during surgical abortion were associated with preference for the alternative technique in a future procedure.

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