Telehealth provision of medication abortion care

The ability of clinicians to provide medication abortion via telehealth (phone, video, etc.)

Research shows:

Medication abortion care is a safe and effective method of abortion care that has been studied extensively since it was approved by the FDA over 20 years ago.

Multiple state-based studies have found that medication abortion via telehealth is an acceptable and effective model for both patients and providers, allows earlier access to care, and increases care options for people in rural areas.

Bookmark these references:

• Ibis Reproductive Health Telemedicine Provision of Medication Abortion
• Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Center for Reproductive Rights Expanding Telemedicine Can Ensure Abortion Access During COVID-19 Pandemic

Expansion of the provider pool

Laws that allow advanced practice clinicians- including certified nurse midwives, advanced nurse practitioners, and advanced physician assistants- to provide abortion care.  

Research shows:

• Advanced practice clinicians can safely and effectively provide medication and aspiration abortion care.
• Supporting state funding for training programs and expanding the pool of providers able to provide care can help to address geographic disparities in access to abortion care in the states.

Bookmark these references:

• National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine The Safety and Quality of Abortion Care in the United States: Report Highlights 
• American Public Health Association Policy Statement #20112

Policies that respect autonomy and decision-making

Laws that repeal medically unnecessary laws, expand access, and protect the right to abortion

Research shows:

• The vast majority of people are certain in their decision to have an abortion. 95% of women who had abortions in a large-scale longitudinal study consistently said that it was the right decision for them over the course of 5 years.
• Compared to women who were denied wanted abortion care, women who receive a wanted abortion are “more financially stable, set more ambitious goals, raise children under more stable conditions, and are more likely to have a wanted child later.”

Bookmark these references:

• Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) The Harms of Denying a Woman a Wanted Abortion
• Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) Women are Certain about their Decision to have an Abortion