Medical abortion.

Background: Medical abortion (using mifepristone followed by misoprostol to end an early pregnancy) is a more accessible and less invasive option than surgical termination and can be provided in primary care settings. However, few general practitioners (GPs) currently provide this service, and there remains great inequity in access to abortion across Australia, particularly for young women and those living in rural and remote area.

Objective: The aim of this article is to help Australian GPs better understand the practical and legal considerations of providing medical abortion to patients.