Foregoing Rh Testing and Anti-D Immunoglobulin for Women Presenting for Early Abortion: A Recommendation from the National Abortion Federation’s Clinical Policies Committee

Contraception; May 1, 2019; Vol. 99(5):265-266; doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2019.02.008

Early abortion continues to expand outside of traditional clinics, through telemedicine, self-managed medication abortion, or in smaller offices that do not specialize in obstetrical care. Consequently, requiring Rh testing and anti-D immunoglobulin as part of abortion care is becoming a barrier. As of early 2019, the Society of Family Planning [1], the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [2], and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada [3] recommend that all Rh D-negative women receive anti-D immunoglobulin after an induced abortion, regardless of gestational age or type of procedure.