Anesthesia for Abortion Procedures

Abstract

Abortion procedures are associated with some degree of pain, and managing pain is an essential goal in caring for patients who undergo this procedure. Patients seeking abortion should be counseled on all pain-management options, which include nonpharmacologic methods, local cervical anesthetic injection, oral medication, intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia. Organizations, including the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the National Abortion Federation, and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America have published evidence-based guidelines for anesthesia administration to patients receiving abortion care. Abortion-care practices should have pertinent anesthesia and procedural policies consistent with the care setting, whether they are hospital-based or freestanding sites. These policies should follow guidelines set by national medical institutions and not include additional targeted regulation of clinics or providers of abortion care. (J GYNECOL SURG 20XX:000)