Pharmacy-based medication abortion model in Massachusetts

Abortion care is difficult to access in the United States and availability of clinic-based care largely depends on geographic location. Since the Dobbs v Jackson’s Women’s Health Organization decision in 2022, many states have banned abortion completely or at early gestations with few exceptions. In response, states like Massachusetts have worked to protect access to abortion rights and care for state residents and those traveling from out of state. Massachusetts enacted a “shield law” to protect patients, providers, and anyone aiding abortion care from legal consequences imposed by other states, enabling providers in the state to offer virtual abortion care to people across the country. Despite these efforts, barriers to accessing abortion care persist in Massachusetts, especially among people living in rural areas and young people. As threats to abortion access increase, there is a need for a broader range of access points and cadres of providers offering abortion.

Pharmacies are playing an increasingly important role in abortion care. Some pharmacies dispense medication abortion, and pharmacists have also expanded their role in sexual and reproductive health care provision. In many states, pharmacists prescribe emergency contraception and hormonal birth control and have demonstrated interest in extending their provision to medication abortion. In other countries, pharmacists play an integral role in medication abortion care by dispensing medications and directly providing medication abortion. A model of care where pharmacists not only dispense but prescribe medication abortion would further reduce barriers by expanding where abortion care is delivered and who can provide this care.