Comparison of no-test telehealth and in-person medication abortion

JAMA

2024-06-24

(Press-News.org) About The Study: This prospective, observational study found that medication abortion obtained following no-test telehealth screening and mailing of medications was associated with similar rates of complete abortion compared with in-person care with ultrasonography and met prespecified criteria for noninferiority, with a low prevalence of adverse events.

Quote from corresponding author Lauren J. Ralph, Ph.D., M.P.H.:

“This is a prospective, observational study comparing patients who received medication abortion care remotely and without ultrasound to those who went in person to a facility and got an ultrasound. Using data from patient surveys and their medical record, we found no differences in effectiveness of medication abortion by how they received the medications, and low prevalence of adverse events across all groups.

“No-test, telehealth medication abortion is as effective as in person care with ultrasound, and safe overall. This model of care should be offered as an option to all pregnant people seeking abortion.

“I hope that these findings are reassuring to both clinicians and patients that medication abortion using no-test, telehealth and mailing of medications is as effective as in person care with ultrasound. These models offer a safe, effective and urgently needed way to overcome logistical and geographic obstacles to accessing abortion today.

“Despite continued efforts to restrict access to medication abortion, for example by requiring in person dispensing of the medications, the research has consistently been clear that medication abortion with no-test eligibility assessment and mailing of medications is just as effective as in person care with ultrasound.”

Contact information for Lauren J. Ralph, Ph.D., M.P.H.: email Lauren.Ralph@ucsf.edu.

To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link https://media.jamanetwork.com/

(doi:10.1001/jama.2024.10680)

Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

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Comparison of no-test telehealth and in-person medication abortion

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