The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments regarding restricting access to the abortion drug mifepristone, prompting a surge in searches for the medication on Plan C, an information resource connecting women to abortion pill providers. Following the Court’s decision in the Dobbs case overturning Roe v. Wade and impacting abortion access in the U.S., a network of abortion providers has stepped up efforts to ensure access to abortion care. These efforts include sending abortion medications by mail, setting up mobile clinics, and offering financial assistance to women in need.
Providers like Aid Access, Hey Jane, and Just the Pill operate within and outside the established healthcare system, working together to navigate the changing landscape of abortion access. Shield laws in six states protect providers who prescribe and ship abortion pills to patients in states where abortion is banned or restricted. Aid Access, originally based in the Netherlands, now ships pills from within the U.S. to areas with restrictions. The organization is exploring contingency plans should access to abortion pills by mail be disrupted.
Despite concerns from anti-abortion groups, providers like Aid Access continue to send pills to individuals in desperate situations, such as those unable to travel or victims of sexual assault. Shield laws, although unchallenged in courts, have facilitated the distribution of abortion medications to states with restrictions. The focus on medication abortions has increased, with more instances of women accessing abortion care outside traditional healthcare settings.
Hey Jane, a New York-based telemedicine-only abortion provider, has seen a significant increase in demand for abortion pills, shipping to thousands of patients. The company prioritizes financial accessibility and insurance coverage for patients. Just the Pill provides abortion services to women in states with bans using mobile clinics and telemedicine appointments. The organization works closely with abortion funds to assist patients in accessing care across state lines.
Plan C is collaborating with international pill providers to ensure continued telehealth prescription access in the U.S. if telehealth visits for mifepristone are affected. The organization is working towards establishing alternate routes and access to abortion care to safeguard against potential disruptions. The collective efforts of these providers demonstrate a commitment to ensuring access to safe and legal abortion care for women across the country, even in the face of increasing restrictions.
