Mid-level health-care providers are a safe alternative to doctors for first-trimester abortions in developing countries
Social science research policy brief
In circumstances where the law permits termination of pregnancy, access to safe induced abortion may still be restricted by limited availability of trained health-care providers. In most countries where abortion is legal, only doctors are authorized to provide first-trimester abortions. To increase access to safe first-trimester abortion and conserve scarce health resources, some countries have trained nurses, midwives and mid-level health-care providers such as doctor assistants. These health-care providers are generally cost-effective and may work in areas where doctors are scarce, providing health services to underserved populations.
Related study
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Can midlevel health-care providers administer early medical abortion as safely and effectively as doctors? A randomised controlled equivalence trial in Nepal
The Lancet, Volume 377, Issue 9772, 2 April 2011