MSI UK’s Medical Director Dr Jonathan Lord and Clinical Director Caroline Gazet respond to the troubling instances of ‘Abortion Reversal Treatment’ being offered to women and pregnant people by anti-choice groups in the UK.
Recent coverage from The Independent and Open Democracy has focused on the issue of so called “abortion reversal treatment” being offered by anti-choice groups around the world.
The so-called treatment, which involves taking high doses of progesterone after taking the pills prescribed for a medical abortion, has not been proven to be effective in stopping miscarriages, and comes with a real risk of haemorrhage.
We asked our medical director Dr Jonathan Lord and clinical director Caroline Gazet to comment on the issue.
“There is no evidence that it works, it can cause harm, and it can lead to haemorrhage”
It is not safe to prescribe progesterone as so-called abortion reversal. There’s no evidence that it works, it can cause harm, and it can lead to haemorrhage.
Women having abortions can be very vulnerable, so they must be looked after by healthcare workers who actually deal with abortion patients.”
– Caroline Gazet, MSI UK Clinical Director
“Extremist anti-abortion sites only serve to fuel patients’ fears”
Although it is very rare for patients to change their minds over abortion, when it happens they are likely to be vulnerable and feel judged and stigmatised.
These extremist anti-abortion sites only serve to reinforce those emotions, and fuel patients’ fears. They do not offer independent non-directive counselling that would be available through NHS abortion providers, nor do they have access to the multi-disciplinary safeguarding systems that are an essential component of care.
Progesterone is unlicenced for this use and its safety has not been demonstrated. The only properly conducted trial had to be stopped owing to an unacceptable rate of haemorrhage, so we have no evidence that it works, and some evidence that its use could be harmful.
– Dr Jonathan Lord, MSI UK Medical Director
Abortion aftercare at MSI
At MSI, we know that different feelings may come up for people after an abortion, including relief and sadness. These are all normal things to feel.
This is why we offer counselling as part of your abortion care with us: just call us on 0345 300 8090 to arrange a counselling appointment – lines are open 24 hours a day. Counselling is available over the phone, or face-to-face at one of our main clinics.
Once the first medical abortion tablet has been taken, if you change your mind and decide to continue with the pregnancy, we can’t guarantee a healthy pregnancy. We would advise you to see your GP as soon as possible to arrange antenatal care.
We’re here to talk at any time and can arrange post-abortion counselling, either face-to-face or over the phone. If you have any concerns, call our aftercare line on 0345 122 1441 to speak to a nurse.
