Abstract : In most states of Mexico, induced abortion is illegal except in cases of rape or when the pregnancy would jeopardize the woman's life. This qualitative study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pharmacists and herb vendors in the state of Mexico City regarding abortion and contraceptives. The study sample was chosen randomly from the total number of pharmacies and markets identified through a census and by direct physical observation in three Mexico City districts. Findings indicate that pharmacy workers and market herb vendors fulfill the role of a medical provider, except that their knowledge is inadequate for such responsibility. Almost equal percentages of pharmacy workers (62.6%) and herb vendors (64.3%) said that there are methods that will induce an abortion. The medication most prescribed by the pharmacy workers was metrigen (56.3%). Other substances included quinine, benzoginestril, lutoginestril, prostigmine, syntocinon, and clagluquina. Market herb vendors more commonly mentioned two herbs as having abortive properties, zoapatle (Montanoa tomentosa) and ruda (Ruta graveolens. The study also showed that a provider's negative opinion of women who abort did not have any significant impact on provision of abortive methods. From the findings, recommendations are presented for policy changes, training programs, and further research.
Web site : http://www.who.int/reproductive-health/publications/Abstracts/abortion.html