Clinical Updates in Reproductive Health

Follow-up

Last reviewed: February 7, 2021

Recommendation:

  • Routine follow-up care is not necessary unless desired by the woman 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 abortion at or after 13 weeks. In addition, there is no evidence to suggest that a pelvic examination is beneficial in an asymptomatic woman if she does return for a routine follow-up visit.

Quality of evidence

Very low. The recommendation is based on expert opinion (World Health Organization [WHO], 2014).

References

World Health Organization. (2014).Ā Clinical practice handbook for safe abortion. Geneva: World Health Organization Press.

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We work with partners around the world to advance reproductive justice by expanding access to abortion and contraception.

Ipas Sustainable Abortion Care

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The global movement for legal, accessible abortion is growing. Our staff and partners in countries as diverse as Bolivia, Malawi and India are working to ensure all people can access high-quality abortion care.

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The global movement for legal, accessible abortion is growing. Our staff and partners in countries as diverse as Bolivia, Malawi and India are working to ensure all people can access high-quality abortion care.

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