Closing the Gap

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Source: NEJM

Original: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcps2506820?af=R&rss=currentIssue...

Published: 2025-12-26T03:00:10Z

The article proposes expanding access to mifepristone in emergency departments (EDs) for the treatment of early pregnancy loss (EPL). There are three options for the management of EPL: expectant, medical and procedural, with medical treatment falling within the scope of emergency medicine.1 Mifepristone may reduce disparities in care for patients with EPL, particularly in rural or disadvantaged areas.[EPL treatment is often mislabeled as elective abortion,[1] even though it is an evidence-based medical therapy exclusively for EPL.Restrictive state laws misidentify EPL management as abortion care, which hinders the provision of adequate treatment.[1] The implementation model includes a certified prescriber in the ED, inclusion of mifepristone on the ED formulary, and staff training, with support from the Access Bridge initiative.These barriers most affect vulnerable populations with limited access to physicians and health literacy.1 The Dobbs decision and subsequent legislation lead to the betrayal of appropriate care, resulting in predictable morbidity and mortality.1