Medication abortions now comprise up to an estimated two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S., and about a quarter of the mifepristone-misoprostol combination are prescribed via telehealth. Medication abortions are safe and effective when used within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Forty percent of all abortions occur at six weeks or less, another 38% between 7 - 9 weeks and 14% between 10 - 13 weeks, according to the Guttmacher Institute.

Not having to visit a doctor in person to get the medication can make all the difference for access, particularly for those who are low-income or live in rural areas. Telehealth access to mifepristone was briefly paused after the state of Louisiana sued the FDA, saying its rules violated its total abortion ban. On May 1, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals granted Louisiana’s request for a stay, which meant doctors could not prescribe the drugs via telehealth.

But the U.S. Supreme Court blocked that stay, restoring the FDA’s rules while the Louisiana lawsuit continues.Amy Handler is the CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon. Sara Kennedy is the CEO of Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette and also an OBGYN. They join us to discuss the implications of this case—and the impact of the law signed this week by Gov. Tina Kotek to restore Planned Parenthood’s medicaid funding.

“Think Out Loud®” broadcasts live at noon every day and rebroadcasts at 8 p.m.

If you’d like to comment on any of the topics in this show or suggest a topic of your own, please get in touch with us on Facebook, send an email to [email protected], or you can leave a voicemail for us at 503-293-1983.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/05/15/providers-of-abortion-pill-for-oregon-patients-say-access-to-this-care-remains-unchanged/