Replacement of dilation and curettage/evacuation by manual vacuum aspiration and medical abortion, and the introduction of postabortion contraception in Pakistan

Abstract

Manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) and medical abortion were introduced to replace dilation and curettage/evacuation for incomplete abortions, and postabortion contraception was provided in 5 selected public hospitals in Pakistan. In the largest hospital, an Ipas MVA training center since 2007, MVA use reached 21% in 2008. After the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and UNFPA provided MVA kits, MVA use increased dramatically to 70%-90% in 2010-2013. In 2 of the remaining 4 hospitals in which the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Pakistan trained doctors in May 2012 and January 2013, the target of having 50% of women managed by MVA and medical abortion (MA) was met; however, in the third hospital only 43% were treated with MVA and MA. In the fourth hospital, where misoprostol and electric vacuum aspiration use was 64% and 9%, respectively, before training, an MVA workshop introduced the technique. Postabortion contraception was provided to 9%-29% of women, far below the target of 60%.

Keywords: Dilation and curettage; FIGO initiative; Manual vacuum aspiration; Medical abortion; Pakistan; Postabortion contraception; Prevention; Unsafe abortion.