Angel Foster, MD, highlights the importance of telehealth for abortion care

In a recent interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Angel Foster, MD, founder of The Massachusetts Abortion Access Project (MAP), addressed the growing fear and challenges patients face when seeking abortion care in the United States following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade.

Foster noted that roughly one-third of women and girls of reproductive age now live in states that have implemented near-total abortion bans or first-trimester restrictions. This legal environment has led to heightened anxiety not only for those facing unintended pregnancies but also for individuals with wanted pregnancies that develop complications such as miscarriage or stillbirth. The fear and uncertainty are especially acute in states with aggressive anti-abortion legislation.

Despite these legal setbacks, Foster highlighted the resilience and innovation in abortion care delivery. One key advancement is the expansion of medication abortion via telemedicine. Shield laws in supportive states protect providers and patients, enabling access to abortion pills regardless of geographic restrictions. Foster emphasized the importance of what she calls “Mife in all 50,” a reference to the availability of mifepristone, a medication used for abortion, across the United States through telehealth services.

Telehealth now accounts for about 1 in 4 abortions nationwide, and it has become especially vital in states with near-total bans. Many patients are opting for at-home care over traveling long distances to brick-and-mortar clinics. According to Foster, telemedicine abortion is not only medically safe and effective but also highly acceptable to patients.

To further enhance access, services such as the MAP offer affordable care using a pay-what-you-can model, starting at just $5. Another forward-thinking strategy is "advance provision," where individuals obtain abortion pills before they are pregnant, ensuring timely access if the need arises. Currently, 1% to 5% of MAP’s monthly patients request pills for potential future use.

Looking ahead, Foster stressed the need for proactive legislation to safeguard abortion rights and to defend providers facing lawsuits. She asserts that medication abortion pills are here to stay, and even if legal restrictions tighten, alternative avenues—such as international providers and community distribution networks—will continue to meet patient needs. The reproductive healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly in response to legal pressures, and innovation remains key to maintaining access.

No relevant disclosures.

Reference

Welcome to the MAP. Cambridge Reproductive Health Consultants. Accessed July 30, 2025. https://www.crhcmap.org/.