There is inconclusive evidence of safety due to lack of good quality data. Thus, the use of castor oil for IOL should be avoided until safety issues are clarified. And it should never be done preterm! Further research is needed to compare the safety and effectiveness of castor oil induction methodologies, to commonly used labor induction techniques in a prospective study or clinical trial. Castor oil should not be taken without supervision by an obstetrical care provider. Some potential side eff