Background: In India, medical method of abortion is allowed for first 7 weeks of intra uterine pregnancy. As per
WHO it is safe and effective method for termination of early pregnancy under medical supervision. It is done by using
mifepristone (200mg) and misoprostol (800mcg). These drugs are not for contraception but are abortion pills. Women
use the abortion pills for unintended pregnancy inspite of using various method of contraception due to lack of
knowledge, apprehension, poverty, denial, and ignorance of contraceptive use without any medical supervision
(illegal use) and become victim of unsafe abortion. The main aim of this study was to find out mortality and
morbidity associated with illegal use of abortion pill.
Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, TMMC
and RC Moradabad, a tertiary care center with history of intake of abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) for 1
year from 1st May 2015 to 1st April 2016 on 120 patients. Data was collected and analysed by percentage and
proportions.
Results: Illegal use of abortion pill was more common among 30-39 years (55%) group of women and mostly were
grand multiparous (81.67%). In most of the cases husband brought the pills (85%) from advice of chemist (70%).The
most common presenting complaint was excessive bleeding per vaginum (66.3%). Most common complication was
moderate anemia (38.3%).
Conclusions: The present study recommends medical method of abortion is safe and effective under medical
supervision. Illegal use of abortion pills without supervision results in serious complications.