Advantages and Disadvantages of Medical Abortion, According to Brazilian Residents in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

OBJECTIVE:  To find out which was the opinion of residents in obstetrics and gynecology about the advantages and disadvantages of medical abortion as compared with surgical procedures.

METHOD:  Cross-sectional multicenter study among residents in obstetrics and gynecology from 21 maternity hospitals located in 4 different geographical regions of Brazil, using a self-responded questionnaire with 31 questions related to their opinion and experience on providing abortion services.

RESULTS:  Most residents agreed that "being less invasive" (94.7%), "does not require anesthesia" (89.7%), "can be accompanied during the process" (89.1%), "prevents physical trauma" (84.4%) were the main advantages of medical abortion.

CONCLUSION:  Residents perceived both clinical and personal issues as advantages of medical abortion.