Medication Abortion
Medication abortion, also known as the abortion pill, is safe and effective and commonly used up to 11-12 weeks of pregnancy. Currently, federal and state regulations limit how medication abortion pills can be given and who can provide them, making it harder for people to access them. ANSIRH is researching new ways of providing medication abortion care using telehealth, at pharmacies, by mail, and other ways, so that people can have more control and autonomy over their abortion experience.
Medication abortion is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy with pills. Medication abortion is now the most common method of abortion, with two-thirds of all abortions in the United States are with pills. This method typically involves two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, and is commonly used up to 11 or 12 weeks of pregnancy. Medication abortion is now available via telehealth and on a limited basis from brick-and-mortar pharmacies. Having a variety of options allows people more control and autonomy over their abortion experience.
In 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone, which means clinicians no longer need to stock the medication in their offices. FDA regulations still require that clinicians who want to provide medication abortion be certified by the drug’s distributor and that people taking mifepristone first sign a patient-agreement form. Additionally, the FDA added a new requirement: Pharmacies that dispense mifepristone must also be certified by the distributor. All of these restrictions keep medication abortion care of out of reach for many across the country, despite a track record of safety and effectiveness. ANSIRH researchers are calling on the FDA to eliminate these remaining burdensome requirements.
