Standardization of abortion nomenclature and terms used to refer to different types of abortion will increase uniformity and accuracy in communication about abortion care. The Society of Family Planning’s recommendation is to use the terms medication abortion and procedural abortion for common use in clinical guidance, journal articles, print materials, websites, media, advocacy, policy briefs, ... Read more >

Mifepristone approval by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration in 2000 revolutionized abortion care in this country. In the aftermath of the US Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization which eliminated federal constitutional protections for abortion, the accessibility and availability of mifepristone are under increasing threat. Medication abortion regimens ... Read more >

Emergency contraception (EC) refers to several contraceptive options that can be used within a few days after unprotected or under protected intercourse or sexual assault to reduce the risk of pregnancy. Current EC options available in the United States include the copper intrauterine device (IUD), levonorgestrel (LNG) 52 mg IUD, oral LNG (such as Plan ... Read more >

On January 3, 2023, updates to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) for mifepristone for reproductive health indications went into effect. The FDA has permanently removed the in-person dispensing requirement and added a new pharmacy certification process, which will enable retail pharmacies that meet certain qualifications to dispense ... Read more >

This document is currently under revision. Clinical guidance is rigorously developed to reflect the best available evidence at the time of publication. It is designed as a resource to assist clinicians in providing family planning care. It is not intended to substitute for the independent professional judgment of the treating clinician. We recognize that continued ... Read more >