Author/Authors :
Rashidpouraie, Roya Department of Medical Ethics - Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran , Vahid Dastjerdi, Marzieh Department of Obstetric and Gynecology - Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran , Shojaei, Ahmad Basir Eye Health Research Center, Tehran, Iran , Saeeditehrani, Saeedeh Department of Medical Ethics - Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran , Sharifi, Mohammadnader Department of Medical Ethics - Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran , Joodaki, Kobra Department of Medical Ethics - Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran , Moosavinejad, Shahriar Department of Medical Ethics - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran , Rashidpouraei, Mina Research Center - The Burwin Institute of Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound, Toronto, Canada , Zahedi, Ladannaz Department of Medical Ethics - Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran , Mashkoori, Ahmad Department of Medical Ethics - Qom University of Medical Science, Qom, Iran , Larijani, Bagher Department of Medical Ethics - Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Background: Illegal abortion is a common way to terminate unintended pregnancy. It may be associated with severe complications
and may raise maternal mortality and morbidity rate. Illegal abortion is one of the important concerns in health system. In our study,
we consider illegal abortion claims in Medical Council court in the suburbs of Tehran. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study
was conducted. Data were extracted from registered judicial complainant cases of illegal abortion in Shahriyar medical court, Iran,
during 2009–2017. Results: There were 751 registered claims during 2009–2017. Among them, a total of 95 gynecological claims
were included in the study. Four (4.2%) registered claims were illegal abortion with severe complications such as peritonitis, rupture
of uterine, small intestine, rectum, and mesentery perforation. Three cases had consumed misoprostol (prostaglandin E2) and one
case had used prostaglandin E1 before curettage. Misoprostol was also used significantly more frequently than other methods for
abortion before curettage (P < 0.05). Minor and short‑term complications did not registered. Conclusion: The feature of claims
showed that only severe morbidity and complications were registered in medical court. The definition of illegal abortion as a criminal
act can be one of the factors of decreasing of abortion’s complication claims.
