reduction in clinic numbers is due to the fact that over the last several years PP has opened 19 or 20 mega-centers in large cities, replacing smaller, older clinics, which would not be able to accommodate some of the recent restrictions imposed on abortion facilities in pro-life states. (2)
But another way they are maintaining their abortion sales is with telemed or “video chat” abortions, where a doctor at a remote location speaks with a patient and administers the abortion pill electronically. Such abortions are banned in 19 states, including Texas, but are still happening other states.(3) Planned Parenthood announced recently that it would be opening 10 new telemed locations in 2018, a significant increase over the 24 locations already providing that service.(4)
While some studies have been cited to indicate that telemed abortions are no more dangerous than other medication abortions, medication abortions have four times the complication rate of surgical abortions. (5.2% vs 1.3% for first trimester suction abortions). (5) Complications include incomplete or failed abortions, hemorrhaging, and infections. A report from the FDA indicates that at least 10 women had died from complications of medication abortions in the first 10.5 years after approval in the U.S. (6)
So while fewer abortion clinics are still a good thing, it may mean more of the more dangerous medication abortions, and more women suffering not only serious complications but greater trauma as they experience the abortion over a much longer time frame and see the body of their child as the abortion occurs at home. The only positive aspect of medication abortion is that if a women changes her mind soon after taking the drug, the baby can be saved with administration of high doses of progesterone.(7)
1.
http://www.lifenews.com/2018/02/06/planned-parenthood-opening-10-locations-for-women-to-get-video-chat-abortions/ (2018)
2.
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/planned-parenthoods-mega-center-strategy-and-how-it-will-flourish-if-hillar (Nov 2016)
3.
https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/medication-abortion (2018)
4.
http://www.cosmopolitan.com/politics/a15949012/planned-parenthood-announces-abortion-video-chat-telemedicine/ (2018)
5.
http://www.nationalrighttolifenews.org/news/2014/12/ucsf-study-finds-then-downplays-significant-abortion-complication-rates/#.Wn3NsExFzmI (2014)
6.
https://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF11G29.pdf
7.
https://abortionpillreversal.com/