Availability of mifepristone and misoprostol in Oregon pharmacies: A comparison by rural and urban status

Contraception. 2024 Sep:137:110491. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2024.110491. Epub 2024 May 18.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the availability of mifepristone and misoprostol at pharmacies in a state with protective abortion legislation and variation in access by rurality.

Study design: Using a secret shopper survey, researchers attempted to contact all community pharmacies in Oregon and evaluate their mifepristone and misoprostol provisions.

Results: Among the 444 pharmacies surveyed, mifepristone was planned at 19.2%. Misoprostol was available at 77.5%, but stocking issues and medication ordering impact access, without significant differences by rurality.

Conclusions: Pharmacy engagement and support are key to increasing access to these essential medicines, which may be improved through education and referral programs.

Keywords: Abortion; Mifepristone; Misoprostol; Pharmacy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / administration & dosage
  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / supply & distribution
  • Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal / administration & dosage
  • Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal / supply & distribution
  • Abortion, Induced / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Abortion, Induced / statistics & numerical data
  • Community Pharmacy Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • Mifepristone* / administration & dosage
  • Mifepristone* / supply & distribution
  • Misoprostol* / administration & dosage
  • Misoprostol* / supply & distribution
  • Oregon
  • Pharmacies / statistics & numerical data
  • Pregnancy
  • Rural Population
  • Urban Population

Substances

  • Misoprostol
  • Mifepristone
  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal
  • Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal