Tagrid Bannei Jar-Allah: Greater flexibility can improve abortion care
Medical abortion is the most common method in Sweden and is being performed earlier in pregnancy more frequently. Tagrid Bannei Jar-Allah’s research provides new insights into how abortion care can be developed to offer women greater choice.
TAGRID BANNEI JAR-ALLAH
Dissertation defense: 7 March 2025 (click for details)
Doctoral thesis: Unintended pregnancy and early medical abortion
Research area: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Sahlgrenska Academy, The Institute of Clinical Sciences
The number of abortions performed before the seventh week of pregnancy has increased. When the procedure is carried out at a stage where the pregnancy is not yet visible on ultrasound, questions arise about its safety and effectiveness.
“There is concern that very early medical abortion may be less effective. There is also a risk of ectopic pregnancy, which complicates early treatment,” says Tagrid Bannei Jar-Allah, a senior consultant in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Sahlgrenska University Hospital and a doctoral student at the Institute of Clinical Sciences.
She has examined patients’ experiences of abortion care. Tagrid Bannei Jar-Allah has also analyzed treatment outcomes and investigated whether blood tests measuring the pregnancy hormone hCG can improve safety in abortions performed at a very early stage.
Early abortions are just as safe
How safe is it to have a medical abortion before the pregnancy is visible on ultrasound?
“Our results show that it is just as effective and safe as waiting. The procedure can begin earlier without increasing the risks. And our studies confirm that a decrease in hCG can be used as a reliable indicator of successful treatment.”
Patient interviews show that women are generally satisfied with the current care but that long waiting times are seen as a burden.
“Many women wanted to take the first abortion pill at home instead of at the hospital. There was also interest in telemedicine-based abortion care in addition to in-person care. This could shorten wait times and improve access to care.”
Research shaping clinical practice
Balancing research with clinical work and leadership responsibilities has been a challenge, but Tagrid Bannei Jar-Allah has remained highly motivated.
“The most rewarding part of my doctoral project has been conducting research that feels directly relevant to patient care. I hope the results will help improve routines and workflows to better support patients,” she says, adding:
“It has also been incredible to attend international conferences and meet doctors and activists from around the world who share the same commitment to women’s sexual and reproductive health. Seeing so many people advocating for abortion as a human right was both inspiring and motivating—it was truly energizing.”
Text: Jakob Lundberg
