US Study Finds Telemedicine Abortion is as Safe and Effective as In-Person Care, According to Reuters

LONDON (Reuters) – A recent study from the United States indicates that abortion pills provided to pregnant women following video consultations or text message communications are as safe and effective as traditional in-person care. This is particularly significant in light of the recent restrictions on abortion access in the U.S.

Since the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling that removed the national right to abortion, at least 14 states have enacted complete bans on the procedure, while several others restrict it after a certain point in pregnancy. A decision regarding access to abortion pills is forthcoming, and the broader issue of abortion rights is expected to play a pivotal role in the upcoming presidential election.

The newly published study in Nature Medicine reinforces prior evidence from around the globe that supports the safety and efficacy of telemedicine abortions. The research team, led by Ushma Upadhyay from the University of California, analyzed data from 6,034 abortions conducted by three virtual clinics across 20 states and Washington D.C. between April 2021 and January 2022.

In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration lifted its requirement for in-person dispensing of the initial medication in medical abortions, mifepristone; however, this change is now facing legal challenges in the Supreme Court.

The study revealed that 97.7% of abortions were successfully completed after the initial treatment, and 99.8% did not lead to any serious adverse events. These results are comparable to those from medical abortions conducted in-person during early pregnancy. Moreover, there were no significant differences in terms of safety or effectiveness whether patients were evaluated through video calls or text messages.

According to the research, telemedicine abortion, which employs mifepristone along with another drug, misoprostol, has become essential in addressing increased demand in states where abortion remains permissible.

The study emphasizes the need to review and modify policies that limit telehealth abortions based on concerns about their safety and effectiveness, advocating for equitable access to this vital healthcare service. The World Health Organization also endorses this method for early pregnancy.