CHOICES: Center for Reproductive Health in Carbondale, Illinois, is launching telehealth medication abortion appointments, increasing access for people throughout the state.
“At CHOICES, we believe everyone has the right to access comprehensive reproductive healthcare. We trust that people know what kind of care is best for them. Offering both in-person and virtual appointments allows our patients the freedom to choose for themselves,” said President & CEO Jennifer Pepper.
Right now, one in four abortions in the United States is via medication prescribed through telehealth. Multiple studies have proven that telehealth medication abortion is just as safe and effective as in-person abortion care and helps patients get their medication as soon as possible. Mifepristone and misoprostol, the two medications used for medication abortions, are safe, minimally invasive, and can be taken in the comfort of patients’ homes with their support systems.
CHOICES will now offer telehealth medication abortions to patients all across Illinois, including patients with or without insurance. CHOICES also accepts Medicaid and provides no-cost telehealth abortion care for qualifying Illinois residents, including Illinois Medicaid holders. This kind of access would not be possible without the state of Illinois’ commitment to protecting reproductive rights.
By offering this new service, CHOICES joins a handful of independent clinics in Illinois that accept Medicaid for telehealth abortion care. While there is a widespread need for access to telehealth abortion care, CHOICES is also preserving in-person care for those who need it.
“We know that the majority of people right now are getting their abortions through telehealth, and we’re excited to offer this new service,” said Pepper. “It’s also important to remember that we’ll always need brick-and-mortar clinics. Some people need or prefer in-person care, and we want to make sure they always have that option.”
