Objective: To investigate the specifics of counseling for medical abortion.
Methods: We used both self-administered surveys and semi-structured interviews to collect information from 77 medical abortion providers working in 56 sites. Providers were asked about staff training needs, the essential factors to be stressed in counseling, the time involved, and how counseling for medical abortion compares to counseling for surgical.
Results: Providers reported that counseling for medical abortion took longer than for surgical and that the time medical abortion takes to complete was the most important element to convey. The majority of respondents considered direct experience with patients to be the most effective form of training.
Conclusion: This article presents some practical information and strategies for providers and clinic administrators interested in adding medical abortion to their services.