In Brazil, abortion is illegal except in cases of rape and incest
or to save the life of the woman. In 1986, misoprostol was introduced
in Brazil for the treatment of duodenal and gastric ulcers. By the
early 1990s, the abortifacient properties of misoprostol were well
known in Brazil and physicians, pharmacists, and women themselves
spread information about misoprostol. Through the use of misoprostol,
women were able to self-induce abortions. Women were also able to
provoke miscarriages and subsequently gain admittance to public health
facilities and access to legal post-abortion services. The misoprostol
experience in Brazil has sparked renewed debate about the legal status
of abortion.
