New research reveals disparities in the populations who would screen eligible for medication abortion when applying no-test screening criteria, in particular young people and people experiencing food and housing insecurity.
Findings: Self-Managed Abortions and Medical Mistrust and Mistreatment
Implications: How Does No-Test Medication Abortion Impact Accessibility?
This study considers how no-test medication abortion screening criteria may inadvertently exclude patients who might be eligible for medication abortion. The findings emphasize that conservative no-test screening approaches limit patient access to abortion care, potentially exacerbating inequities. Future questions are left to be explored, including further examination of no-test screening criteria to ensure that people eligible for medication abortion are able to safely access needed care. This may help researchers better understand why certain groups are more likely to be found ineligible and would ensure that all patients have access to safe and effective reproductive health options.
“Ensuring equitable access to abortion care requires that all people have access to a range of safe and effective options, including no-test and in-person abortion care in order to best meet people’s healthcare needs.”
The article, No-Test Screening Protocols May Disproportionately Exclude Structurally Oppressed Communities Who Could Benefit from Accessing Medication Abortion, is available in Health Equity.