Objective:

To compare the abortion care features that people obtaining medication abortion consider the most important based on the model of care received (telehealth vs in-person eligibility assessment) and to assess access to technologies required for telehealth abortion care.

Approach:

• Study Design: A prospective, observational study comparing the safety and effectiveness of telehealth versus in-person medication abortion care conducted from May 2021 to March 2023.
• Recruitment: Participants were recruited from 4 abortion-providing organizations in 6 US states with no restrictions on telehealth medication abortion.
• Eligibility Criteria: Patients aged 15 years or older, English or Spanish speakers, and ≤70 days of gestation were eligible; others were excluded.

Key Findings:

• Medication abortion now accounts for the majority of abortions in the US.
• Telehealth accounts for 1 in 4 abortions nationally.
• Patients have expressed preferences for medication abortion over procedural abortion and telehealth over in-person care.

Interpretation:

The study aims to understand the alignment between patients' abortion care preferences and the care they received, particularly in the context of telehealth and in-person models.

Limitations:

• The study was conducted before the implementation of abortion shield laws.
• Limited research exists on patients' abortion method and care preferences.

Conclusion:

The findings will help inform tailored healthcare approaches that align with individuals' values and preferences in abortion care.