Black women more likely to utilize in-clinic abortion services than other methods.

A new study from JAMA Network Open has revealed that Black women are more likely to seek in-clinic medication abortion services than any other race. Anna Fiastro, a family medicine research scientist at UW Medicine, noted that telehealth medicine can help to ease access for underserved communities. This was found by analyzing electronic medical record data from 1,241 women who visited the Cedar River Clinic system in Tacoma and Seattle, Washington, from April 2020 to January 2022.

Telehealth medication abortion services, including online consultations and medications delivered directly to patients, can make abortion care more convenient and accessible. This study found that 69% of the participants received in-clinic appointments for medication abortion services, while 31% sought and received medication after scheduling a telehealth visit. Additionally, it was found that younger individuals, those with limited English proficiency, and those with health conditions are less likely to choose telehealth abortion care.

The research paper highlighted that tele-MAB may better meet the needs of those with prior abortion experience. Of the 232 Black study participants, over 80% received in-clinic visits, while only 46 received telehealth visits. Fiastro said that this may be due to Black women's experiences of discrimination, stigma, and systemic barriers in the health care system.

Senior author Dr. Emily Godfrey, professor of family medicine and obstetrics and gynecology, brought attention to younger patients' wariness of telehealth's legitimacy. To increase telehealth use among patients, further research is needed to better understand the identity of multiracial and other races, and how it affects their telehealth experience. It is also important to focus on finding ways to serve patients in rural areas and other underserved communities.

Ultimately, Black women are disproportionately affected by the lack of abortion access, and are overrepresented in pregnancy-related deaths. In response to this, some companies are now providing funds for employees to travel for abortion care. This new study is a step forward in understanding the context of abortion access, and how telehealth can be used to improve the process.

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