New York City launches first public health program to offer ‘virtual’ abortions

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals announced Monday the launch of a city program offering “virtual” abortions, becoming the first public health program in the nation to do so.

Virtual Express Care is an online scheduling system that connects New Yorkers to abortionists via phone or video call. Those women who are “eligible” will then have the abortion pill mailed to them at home, though they must have a New York City address to qualify. Women will be served regardless of their ability to pay.

City of New York

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NEW: Patients in New York City seeking abortion care can now schedule a Virtual ExpressCare appointment to confidentially speak with a health care professional by video or phone. Where? Call (718) 360-8981 When? Every day, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM #YouHaveReproRights🌼

8:32 PM · Oct 2, 2023

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One of the biggest dangers of telemedicine abortion distribution is that abortionists can not verify that a woman actually is eligible. The abortion pill is currently approved for use through 10 weeks of pregnancy — but without an in-person examination, there is no way to verify gestational age. Without the examination, the doctor also cannot determine if the woman has an extrauterine pregnancy or any other contraindications for the pill. Use of the abortion pill has also been found to be four times more dangerous than surgical abortion, while research has shown that around six percent of women who took the abortion pill needed emergency care, though those numbers are often underreported.

In a press release, Adams cited the Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe v. Wade for the decision to launch this telemed abortion service.

“Here in New York City, we will not allow the far right to continue its crusade to strip women of their reproductive rights,” he said. “Access to abortion care will now be available through telehealth visits at NYC Health + Hospitals sites from the comfort of one’s home.”

Deputy Mayor Anne Williams-Isom promoted the program as ideal for women who cannot leave their homes.

“A person, it could be due to challenges in transportation, mobility or other disabilities or just in life circumstances. Ultimately, this action will meet people where they are,” she explained.

However, if a woman cannot leave her home to pick up abortion pills, it stands to reason that she also will have difficulty leaving her home to seek medical attention should she suffer complications. This further increases the danger to women.

A public health program offering risky abortion pills to women over the phone isn’t caring for women — it’s simply promoting abortion at all costs.