FDA Confirms Regulations Banning Mail Distribution of Abortion Pill will Remain during Pandemic

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar
Credit: Chris Williams / Flickr

Last Thursday, the pro-abortion news outlet VICE wrote an opinion piece arguing for increased access to abortion pills through telemedicine. If abortion pills were available this way, people could contact abortion providers virtually via the phone or internet to receive abortion pills through the mail. When VICE asked the FDA to comment on the idea, it confirmed that restrictions against mail distribution of abortion pills would remain in effect.

“Certain restrictions, known as a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS), are necessary for mifepristone when used for medical termination of early pregnancy in order to ensure that the benefits of the drug outweigh its risks,” the FDA Office of Media Affairs told Vice.

VICE suggested that "… During the COVID-19 pandemic, HHS Secretary Alex Azar could perhaps apply Trump’s telehealth mandate to medication abortion by directing the FDA to eliminate or relax its regulations, and allow pregnant people to consult with their providers virtually and obtain mifepristone via their pharmacy or in the mail," but the Trump administration maintains its stance that giving abortion pills to women who haven't physically met with a doctor is dangerous.

Some dangers involved with loose distribution regulations can include women having complications when attempting DIY abortions, and abusive men forcing women to undergo abortions they don't want.

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