

Medical views on self-managed abortion shifting since overturn of Roe
8 snips Jun 24, 2025
Abby Wendle, a reporter for NPR's Embedded Team specializing in self-managed abortions, discusses the evolving landscape of reproductive care post-Roe v. Wade. She shares insights into how the medical community's views on self-managed abortions have shifted, particularly in relation to mifepristone's legal challenges. The conversation also touches on the emotional responses from both sides of the abortion debate and the increasing acceptance of telehealth options, reflecting a significant change in attitudes toward independent abortion management.
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Doctor’s Journey to Safer Care
- Maya Bass flew monthly from Philadelphia to Oklahoma to provide abortion care due to provider shortages.
- She initially worried self-managed abortions were unsafe but changed views after research showed safety without strict protocols.
Research Shifts Medical Opinions
- Research educated many doctors on the safety of self-managed medication abortions.
- The pandemic accelerated adoption of telemedicine for medication abortion with less medical oversight.
Rise of Self-Managed Abortions
- Telehealth abortions increased but still require a doctor’s prescription.
- Self-managed abortions bypass doctors and have risen sharply since Roe v. Wade was overturned.