What new FDA abortion pill guidelines mean for Philly and Pa.: More access, and maybe lower costs https://t.co/PG5QHCDUco via @billy_penn
— LowerMerionPolitics (@LowerMerionPol) January 4, 2022
With the Federal Drug Administration’s December decision to permanently allow abortion pills by mail, patients around the country can now move through entire process virtually, with telehealth consultations followed by an order for medication to be shipped. That’s different from the old guidelines, which required picking up abortion pills in person from a specially-certified health care provider.
Abortion rights advocates say the policy shift can increase access to this type of early-term abortion, especially for people who face systemic barriers in getting to healthcare providers.
Antiabortion groups argue in-person physician prescriptions are important for spotting potential complications. A recent study in Canada compared the incidence of adverse effects before and after the pill was made available by mail, and found little to no difference.