DeepSummary
The podcast episode discusses the rise in telehealth abortions since the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision overturned the constitutional protection for abortion in the United States. Dr. Ushma Upadhyay, a co-author of the #WeCount report, shares data showing that telehealth abortions have increased from 4% to 19% of all abortions in the country as of December 2022.
In states where abortion is banned, Upadhyay explains that while there were 145,000 fewer abortions overall, around 48,000 people living in those states were able to access abortion care through telehealth providers operating under shield laws that reduce legal risks. She highlights the benefits of telehealth abortions, including lower costs, reduced stigma, and increased convenience.
Upadhyay discusses the potential for further innovation in telehealth abortion services, such as asynchronous models where patients can complete medical screening and receive medications without a real-time interaction with a provider. She emphasizes the importance of technology in expanding access to abortion care, especially in states with bans or restrictions.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Telehealth abortions have increased significantly since the Dobbs decision, from 4% to 19% of all abortions in the US.
- In states with abortion bans, around 48,000 people were able to access abortion care through telehealth providers operating under shield laws.
- Telehealth abortions offer benefits such as lower costs, reduced stigma, and increased convenience compared to in-person care.
- Research has shown that telehealth abortions are as safe and effective as in-person medication abortions.
- There is potential for further innovation in telehealth abortion models, such as asynchronous models that don't require real-time interactions with providers.
- Technology has played a crucial role in expanding access to abortion care, especially in states with bans or restrictions.
- Telehealth abortions have been transformative in reducing barriers and stigma associated with accessing abortion care.
- The Supreme Court's ruling to preserve access to mifepristone has allowed telehealth abortion providers to continue prescribing and mailing the medication.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “We found that 48,000 people living in states with abortion bans or restrictions were able to access abortion care through telehealth through these providers offering care under shield laws.“ by Ushma Upadhyay
- “What's different is that it removes so many of the barriers that people face with in person care. And actually the cost is significantly lower through telehealth abortion because it's a more streamlined process.“ by Ushma Upadhyay
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Episode Information
Marketplace Tech
Marketplace
6/24/24
Two years ago this week, the Supreme Court ruled that abortions are not constitutionally protected in the U.S., a decision that would draw protests across the country. Since then, 14 states have outlawed abortions. Still, some people in those states have been able to cut through barriers to get abortions via telehealth, according to a recent report from the research project #WeCount. Usually, this requires a virtual visit with a telehealth care provider. The provider assesses the patient and gets their information, then can mail them mifepristone and misoprostol, which aid in ending a pregnancy. The Supreme Court preserved access to mifepristone in a ruling this month, which means it can still be prescribed and mailed to patients. Marketplace’s Lily Jamali discussed the increase in telehealth abortions with Ushma Upadhyay, professor of OB-GYN and reproductive sciences at the University of California, San Francisco, and a coauthor of the #WeCount report.