Medication abortion via telehealth is just as safe and effective as with a clinic visit, study shows

A recent study published in the journalNature Medicine highlights the safety and effectiveness of medication abortion obtained through telehealth appointments. Medication abortion, a common method of terminating pregnancies in the US, has faced controversy, with the FDA’s approval of one of the drugs being temporarily suspended. Telehealth services for medication abortion have been available since 2008 but expanded during the pandemic. The study analyzed records of 6,034 telehealth medication abortions and found that it was safe and comparable to in-person care. Patients were not required to undergo physical examinations, and the abortion’s completion rate was high. The study provides further evidence that telehealth options meet patients’ needs and bring accessibility and privacy to the process.