Pharmacies and drug sellers can play a pivotal role in providing safe and confidential medication abortion services, helping to address critical gaps in the healthcare system. This is the main finding of recent studies conducted by the Guttmacher Institute, the St. Paul’s Institute for Reproductive Health and Rights, and Ipas. The research indicates that pharmacy staff possess the necessary knowledge to guide women correctly, but access to these services remains restricted due to low stock levels and current regulations.

In Ethiopia, abortion is legal under a wide range of conditions, and the required medications are included in national practice guidelines and the essential medicines list. However, current laws require women to visit a clinic first to obtain a prescription. Data collected shows that updating national guidelines to allow direct provision of medication abortion in pharmacies would be an effective and safe intervention. A pilot study demonstrated that nearly all clients who accessed medications directly from a pharmacy followed the instructions and experienced a complete procedure without complications.

The major challenge identified is supply availability. An assessment of pharmaceutical outlets revealed that less than one third regularly stock the medications needed for abortion care. The authors of the studies presented these findings to the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia, opening the door for policy updates, improvements in the supply chain, and the reduction of stigma surrounding reproductive health services.

The original source of information can be accessed on the Guttmacher Institute website, with the material available in English.