Medication abortion involves taking two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Here’s a summary of research that shows medication abortion is safe, effective, and critical health care.
Following the Dobbs decision in 2022 that overturned Roe v. Wade, there has been a notable rise in telehealth and mail-order medication abortion. Our research shows medication abortion has a long safety and efficacy record, and is essential health care.
What is medication abortion?
Mifepristone is an FDA-approved medicine that when used with another medication, misoprostol, is safe and effective for ending an early pregnancy. The FDA first approved mifepristone 25 years ago. Mifepristone has a well-documented safety record, demonstrated through real-world use and in over 100 research publications. Research indicates that when followed by misoprostol, mifepristone has a success rate of 95% or higher in terminating pregnancies up to 10 weeks. The National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) conducted a comprehensive review of medication abortion care and found it to be extremely safe and effective, with a safety rate exceeding 99%.
Telehealth for Medication Abortion
Research confirms that receiving abortion pills by mail after a telehealth consultation is just as safe and effective as in-person care. Patients find telehealth extremely acceptable, citing increased privacy and timeliness and lower costs. 20% of all abortions in the U.S. today are through telehealth. Leading medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), support telehealth for medication abortion, affirming that patients should access care in the way that best suits them—whether through local pharmacies or home delivery—and advocating for the removal of unnecessary restrictions which create barriers without improving safety.
Improving Access to Medication Abortion
Expanding pharmacy dispensing of mifepristone and misoprostol would remove unnecessary barriers and ensure timely access to these medications. Research indicates that pharmacy dispensing of mifepristone for medication abortion is feasible, effective, and acceptable to patients, including mail-order pharmacy dispensing. There is growing public support for over-the-counter access and advance provision for medication abortion, particularly among those living in states with abortion restrictions.