Self-managed medication abortion in South Korea: A retrospective records review of the uptake of medication abortion through online telemedicine prior to decriminalization
- 주제(키워드) Abortion pills , Medication abortion , South Korea , Telemedicine
- 등재 SCIE, SCOPUS
- 발행기관 Elsevier Inc.
- 발행년도 2023
- 총서유형 Journal
- URI http://www.dcollection.net/handler/ewha/000000204154
- 본문언어 영어
- Published As https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2022.109923
초록/요약
Objectives: To examine the uptake of medication abortion through online telemedicine in South Korea prior to decriminalization of abortion beginning in 2019. Study design: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional analysis of medication abortion consultations submitted to Women on Web, an online telemedicine service, from South Korea between 2013 and 2019. Results: The uptake of medication abortion through Women on Web increased every year between 2013 and 2019, adding up to 12,115 consultations across 7 years. The median age was 25 and the median gestational age was 37 days. Individuals reported financial constraints (66.2%) as the most common reason for wanting an abortion. This was followed by not wanting a child at this point (64.7%) and wanting to finish school (34.6%). Conclusions: This study illustrates the uptake of medication abortions via Women on Web between 2013 and 2019, prior to decriminalization of abortion in South Korea. Implications: This study attests to the use of online telemedicine for medication abortion, despite the legal restrictions prior to decriminalization of abortion in South Korea. © 2022 Elsevier Inc.
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