WOMEN'S HEALTH Early Abortion in Ontario: Options and Costs

Objective: Early abortions have been predominantly surgical for many years, but medical options with comparable efficacy and safety are now available. This study compares the costs of two medical options and two surgical options. Methods: We used a clinical model to compare the costs in Ontario of four options for early abortion: medical abortion using either mifepristone or methotrexate, and surgical abortion by vacuum aspiration in either a hospital or a free-standing clinic. The cost analysis was conducted from the perspectives of society, the health care system, and the patient. Results: From all perspectives, total costs were highest for hospital surgical abortion, followed by surgical abortion in a clinic. From the patient’s perspective, total costs were higher for surgical abortion but direct costs (mainly for medications) were higher for medica