Guests on this episode are Amy Meg Autry, April Lockley, Jiana Menendez, Oriaku Njoku, and Linda Prine, all at the forefront of finding new solutions for patients in need. They discuss different approaches to abortion access, the impact of Texas abortion laws, passing a shield law for abortion care in New York, and the challenges of establishing a new clinic for reproductive justice.
Telehealth medical abortions have become normalized during the pandemic, allowing remote prescription and delivery of abortion pills.
Donating to abortion funds is a recommended way to support reproductive rights and accessibility.
Deep dives
Telehealth Medication Abortion: A Shift in Reproductive Care
The Hotline offers medication abortion support via telehealth, providing reassurance and medication guidance to people in the process of self-managing their abortions. The demand for medication abortions has increased after the Dobbs decision, especially in states with restricted access. Telehealth medical abortions have become normalized during the pandemic, allowing remote prescription and delivery of abortion pills. Shield laws are being passed in several states to protect telemedicine abortion across state lines, although legal challenges and uncertainties remain.
Abortion Funds: Navigating Barriers to Access
Abortion funds play a crucial role in supporting individuals seeking abortion care by providing financial assistance, transportation, childcare, translation services, and accommodation. Access Reproductive Care Southeast is an example of an abortion fund that emerged to address the lack of access in the South. These funds are increasingly important in the post-Dobbs landscape, as people face additional costs and logistics due to restricted access in certain states. Donating to abortion funds is a recommended way to support reproductive rights and accessibility.
The Promise of a Mississippi Riverboat: Expanding Abortion Access
The concept of running a reproductive health or abortion clinic on a Mississippi Riverboat was explored as a creative solution to provide abortion care in states with restrictive laws. Inspired by Women on Waves, a floating clinic in international waters, the idea gained traction. However, legal complexities and fundraising challenges emerged. The proposed clinic aims to address the needs of marginalized communities who struggle to reach clinics due to distance, cost, and time off work. While still in development, it underscores the continued fight for reproductive rights.
The Eternal Fight for Bodily Autonomy and Reproductive Justice
The series highlights that the fight for abortion rights extends beyond the legality of abortion itself. It encompasses the need for accessibility, availability, and culture change surrounding reproductive health care. The post-Dobbs era serves as a reminder that the battle for bodily autonomy and reproductive justice is ongoing. Collaboration, shared effort, and community support among abortion providers, advocates, and patients are crucial in advancing these rights and ensuring access to comprehensive reproductive care.
What does the future hold for abortion care? In this final episode of The Nocturnists: Post-Roe America, we hear from clinicians at the forefront of finding new solutions for patients in need.
Host & Co-creator: Ali Block, MD
Co-creator: Emily Silverman, MD
Featuring: Amy Meg Autry, MD; April Lockley, DO; Jiana Menendez, MD, MPH; Oriaku Njoku; Linda Prine, MD; and other contributors who wish to remain anonymous