Anti-Choice State Senator Wants Telemedicine to Remain "Science Fiction"

by Roxann MtJoy · 2011-01-06 06:00:00 UTC
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Last summer, I told you about an innovative technology that helps provide abortion access to women in rural areas of Iowa. Planned Parenthood there had developed a unique telemedicine system where doctors video conference with patients and are able to dispense medication via remote control. But now, Iowa state legislators have vowed to work to ban the practice, effectively cutting off thousands of women from access to safe, affordable abortion care.

Iowa, while currently the only state to offer abortions via telemedicine, is not the only state where conservatives are fighting the practice. Nebraska, already known for its restrictive abortion laws, is planning a preemptive strike. "I'm not trying to inhibit telemedicine, but we're talking about chemical abortions here. It's not appropriate," said Nebraska State Senator Tony Fulton, who plans to introduce a bill this year that would require doctors to be in the same room as the patient when the pills are handed over.

What exactly is inappropriate here? Abortion is legal and the telemedicine practice is safe. Women receive in-person counseling and education on the procedure and potential side effects. Mind you, this is all taking place at her local clinic, not at home on her couch. Doctors who are willing to perform abortions can be nearly impossible for rural women to find — 86% of counties in the United States do not have an abortion provider — yet Senator Fulton thinks this is inappropriate and something in the "realm of science fiction." Really?

Doctors do amazing, skilled things that take years of training to do, things I would only would only trust them to do. Physically putting a pill packet in my hand is not one of those things. Those who oppose reproductive telemedicine have nothing to back up their fear-mongering. The dangers they claim are the real science fiction. Whether you are pro-choice or not, the fact is that abortion is safe and legal and it is not the government's place to override doctors' judgement or put obstacles in the way of women exercising their right to choose. Tell Iowa not to abandon its rural women in need of abortion care.

Photo credit: Steve Rhodes

Roxann MtJoy is a freelance writer who previously worked as a case manager at a domestic violence shelter. She is currently attending graduate school for theater in Mount Vernon, N.Y.

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