Since 2007 Women’s Rights Center (WRC) in Armenia has been working on implementing a clinical research study on introduction of medical abortion services in Armenia. The aim of this research study is investigation on medical abortion with the use of mifepristone and misoprostol, results and success rate, its acceptability and feasibility for women in Armenia.

It’s important to note that WRC was the first organization in Armenia to introduce medical abortion as an optional method for terminating unwanted pregnancies. All activities of organization on safe abortion are realized with the permission and in cooperation with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia (Together with Gynuity Health Projects, New York). Only licensed obstetrician-gynecologists working at obstetric-gynecologic institutions of the Republic can do medical or surgical abortions.

In the frame of implementation process of the first trimester medical abortion we organized various trainings, round table and dissemination meetings with gynecologists from different medical institutions of Armenia. During the meetings and trainings the results of international studies, concerning mifepristone and misoprostol usage for first and second trimester termination of pregnancy, are introduced to doctors, they have an opportunity to share their concerns and get answers to their questions, to be involved in a discussion.

WRC has also elaborated and published various relevant materials on medical abortion, including the Clinical Guideline on Organizing and Providing Health Care on Medical Abortion on first trimester second abortion, the information booklet on “Medical Abortion” and other relevant materials have been disseminated among the doctors-participants (obstetricians – gynecologists) and women throughout the regions.

Currently, our organization coordinates the second trimester safe abortion study with the usage of mifepristone and misoprostol for terminating unwanted pregnancies. We’re also working on elaborating a new Clinical Guideline on second trimester medical abortion.

Article prepared by Women’s Rights Center