Claims of Misoprostol Use Based on Blood Sampling Should Be Viewed with Skepticism

Int J Gynaecol Obstet; 2014 Nov; 127(2):125-6; doi:10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.08.006

In this Special Communication, the authors warn against the validity of any claims regarding the existence of misoprostol in bodily fluids. Several women have recently been prosecuted for induced abortion based on allegations that they took misoprostol; however, these claims are dubious based on the timing required for accurate assessment as well as the arduous and costly procedures involved with lab testing to determine the presence of misoprostol. Therefore, a high level of scrutiny is needed to substantiate any such claims.