"The future of abortion telemedicine is still in limbo, however. Though the stay will remain in effect while litigation proceeds, the Supreme Court could make a full ruling on the case in the not-too-distant future. Given the court majority's far-right leanings, it may allow the attack on abortion telemedicine to go through. But health practitioners have come up with a powerful and easy-to-implement backup plan should the Supreme Court ultimately try to kill abortion telemedicine."
Abortion numbers in the United States have risen even after many states enacted total or near-total bans. Medication-based abortion in the first trimester can be done with pills that can be prescribed remotely and delivered through the mail. Telehealth expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic enabled clinicians to reach patients in states where abortion became illegal after the overturning of legal abortion rights. A ruling from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this month threatened to restrict telehealth abortion. The Supreme Court granted a full stay, keeping the restriction from taking effect while litigation continues. The long-term status remains uncertain because the Supreme Court could issue a final decision that allows further limits. Providers have prepared backup approaches to maintain access if telemedicine is restricted.
Read at Slate Magazine
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