Providing Interstate Telehealth Abortion Services to Patients in Restrictive States

This perspective article analyzes the legal complexities and challenges surrounding telehealth abortion care provided across state lines in the United States. Shield laws in some states protect clinicians from legal repercussions for offering care to patients in abortion-restrictive states, but these protections vary and may conflict with the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). The article outlines emerging legal conflicts, particularly surrounding how states define the “location” of telehealth services, and urges reforms to bolster clinician protections while ensuring access to reproductive healthcare in restrictive environments.

This perspective article analyzes the legal complexities and challenges surrounding telehealth abortion care provided across state lines in the United States. Shield laws in some states protect clinicians from legal repercussions for offering care to patients in abortion-restrictive states, but these protections vary and may conflict with the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). The article outlines emerging legal conflicts, particularly surrounding how states define the “location” of telehealth services, and urges reforms to bolster clinician protections while ensuring access to reproductive healthcare in restrictive environments.