Misoprostol for Cervical Ripening: Informed Consent Is Not Optional

The Responsibility Clause - Should patients be informed that a recommended medication is not FDA approved?

The Guideline and the Gap

In July 2025, ACOG released Clinical Practice Guideline No. 9, recommending the use of misoprostol for cervical ripening and labor induction. Misoprostol (aka ‘Cytotec’) is a medication approved for preventjng and treating stomach ulcers and it is inexpensive, and widely used. In pregnancy, doctors can give it orally of vaginal…