This study aims to explore available global evidence on efficacy, safety and acceptability and operational challenges of self-use or self-administration of MA drugs with and without support of the formal health system. It aims to reiterate that self-administration of medical abortion is an acceptable option for women and has an acceptable success rate. Although this study intends to review global evidence, a special focus was given to document evidence from India separately to facilitate future implementation strategy and policy advocacy there.

A systematic literature review was conducted to explore four broad dimensions: 1. Evidence of using misoprostol at home with clinical support and guidance 2. Evidence of using both mifepristone and misoprostol at home with clinical support and guidance 3. Evidence of accessing MA drugs for self-use through informal channels including, pharmacy, online, telemedicine and community-based organizations 4. Challenges and concerns of ensuring safe medical abortion services through informal channels.

Banerjee Sushanta K, Shveta Kalayanwala, Vinoj Manning, Kathryn L. Andersen, Ritu Raj, and Arpita Das (2018). Is self-use of medical abortion a viable option?: A systematic review of global evidence with a special focus on India, New Delhi, Ipas Development Foundation, India.