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Retail pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens will be allowed to prescribe mifepristone — the first of two pills used for medical abortion — for the first time in the U.S., according to a recent report renew Provided by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Abortion decision in Supreme Court subversion Roe v Wade Last year; the landmark case, which had guaranteed the federal right to abortion since 1973, was formally overturned in June 2022.
Before this regulatory change confirmed by the FDA on Jan. 3, people who wanted or needed a medical abortion — which accounted for more than half of all abortions In the United States – Mifepristone is only available from doctor’s offices, clinics, or some mail-order pharmacies. With the new changes, you still need a prescription from a certified provider to get mifepristone, but retail pharmacies that agree to carry the drug and follow certain standards can fill it in person or by mail order. (Misoprostol, the second pill needed for medical abortion and used in other conditions, doesn’t face the same restrictions and is available at pharmacies by prescription.)
The change is said to be significant Lauren Streicher, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “It’s all about telehealth,” she tells SELF.Before that, there is a requirement that Mifepristone must be dispensed in person; Now, in 18 states, the clinician prescribing the drug also needs to be present when the drug is administered. What is one reason? There is a “ridiculous” concern that someone will prescribe the drug and give it to someone else, Dr. Streicher said, noting that most other drugs do not have this type of restriction.
Requiring people to get or take abortion pills in person, usually in a doctor’s office or clinic, has been problematic for a variety of reasons, but if you’re trying to get a prescription via telehealth, it “is a huge hurdle,” Dr. Streicher said.Now, depending on where you live and access to health care, you can get a prescription via telehealth, go to a certified pharmacy of your choice (or request mail order), and “take it in the privacy of your own home,” she said. One bonus: “This change also means that other people can prescribe it for you,” adds Dr. Streicher. (Note: This is always a good idea Read your state’s abortion position Familiarize yourself with local regulations first. )
Our study of medical abortion supports the FDA decision, says Gopika Krishna, MD, NYC ob-gyn, with Reproductive Health Physician, tell myself. “although years of medical research showing that medical abortion, particularly mifepristone, is safe and effective, there are medically unnecessary restrictions on how mifepristone is prescribed,” she said. Unnecessary Barriers to Medical Care. Remember: people will still receive their prescriptions from a certified prescriber, which means their provider will discuss any benefits and risks to be aware of, and patients will still ask questions to make sure they feel comfortable with their decision and self-confidence.
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