Hemorrhage after abortion is rare, occurring in fewer than 1% of abortions, but associated morbidity may be significant. Although medication abortion is associated with more bleeding than procedural abortion, overall bleeding for the two methods is minimal and not clinically different. Hemorrhage can be caused by atony, coagulopathy, and abnormal placentation, as well as by ... Read more >

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 >

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 >

As access to legal abortion in the formal healthcare system becomes more restricted across the United States (U.S.), there has been increased focus on understanding the ways that individuals may seek care outside of the healthcare system, including through self-managed abortion (SMA). SMA refers to any action taken to end a pregnancy outside of the ... Read more >

Historical evidence that fetal red blood cell (RBC) exposure during early spontaneous or induced abortion can cause maternal Rh sensitization is limited. A close reading of these studies indicates that forgoing Rh immunoglobulin administration before 12weeks gestation is highly unlikely to increase risk of Rh (D) antibody development, and recent studies indicate that fetal RBC ... Read more >

In this clinical recommendation, we review the evidence supporting the use of the copper intrauterine device, levonorgestrel intrauterine devices and etonogestrel subdermal implant beyond the Food and Drug Administration approved duration of use for contraception (extended use). Clinicians should discuss effectiveness as well as other clinical considerations with patients to allow them to make contraceptive ... Read more >

Substance use and substance use disorder remain significant public health crises. Substance use disorder or addiction, is a stigmatized and misunderstood disease. Accessing contraception and abortion care is particularly challenging, as people who use substances or are diagnosed with substance use disorder often experience internalized stigma and over discrimination within the healthcare system. There are ... Read more >

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a burden to healthcare systems around the world and has changed the way people access health services, including contraception. This document sets forth guidance from the Society of Family Planning for providing contraceptive care in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, including when access to healthcare is ... Read more >

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a highly-effective, injectable contraceptive method that requires injections every 12 to 15 weeks. The need for return visits to a healthcare provider may present barriers to access, use, and continuation of DMPA. Studies demonstrate that self-administration of subcutaneous DMPA (DMPA-SC) outside clinical settings is safe, effective, feasible, acceptable, and can ... Read more >

The World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement regarding intrauterine device (IUD) nomenclature to clarify various terms used for intrauterine contraception. This clarification was prompted, according to the statement, because “(t)he use of many different acronyms to describe a method category can lead to confusion among governments, procurers, distributors, academics, providers and users.” The WHO ... Read more >