Recommendation:
- Routine follow-up care is not necessary unless desired by the individual or necessary for her chosen contraceptive method.
- At the time of the abortion, clients should receive adequate information regarding postabortion care and warning signs.
Strength of recommendation: Weak
Quality of evidence: Very low
Follow-up
There is no scientific data to demonstrate that routine follow-up is beneficial after uncomplicated abortion at or after 13 weeks. In addition, there is no evidence to suggest that a pelvic examination is beneficial in an asymptomatic person that does return for a routine follow-up visit. Those undergoing abortion at or after 13 weeks should be adequately informed about medical reasons to return for follow-up, and should receive appropriate supplies and information to meet contraceptive needs. Follow-up can be offered to patients, and a follow-up visit may include an assessment for grief, emotional support, and review of strategies to address physical symptoms, including breast engorgement (Spach & Henkel, 2024).
Quality of evidence
Very low. The recommendation is based on expert opinion (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 2022; World Health Organization [WHO], 2024).
References
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (2022). Best practice in abortion care. London: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Spach, N. C., & Henkel, A. (2024). Aftercare following second trimester abortion procedures. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 36(6), 388.
World Health Organization. (2024). Abortion Care Guideline, 2nd Ed. Geneva: World Health Organization.