"I think this decision will likely have devastating impacts. Telehealth has really been a lifeline to so many people who need this care," said Dr. Ushma Upadhya, a public health scientist and professor UCSF, noting 27% of the more than 1 million abortions in the United States each year are done through telehealth.
"It's not just states that have abortion bans, but states like California where we have huge swaths of the state that are rural. It makes it really hard for many people living in communities where there is no abortion provider, to access this care. So it really is a lifeline to people right here in California as well."
RELATED: Court restricts abortion access across the US by blocking the mailing of mifepristone
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals siding with the state of Louisiana Friday challenging the FDA's rule expanding access to pills such as Miferepristone. Louisiana arguing the rule allows the medication to reach women in the state despite its abortion ban.
"The Fifth circuit Court is making a decision that, will impact the FDA and FDA regulations, which will have authority across all 50 states. So, we can't think of this as not in my backyard," said Dr. Upadhya.
The ruling temporarily brings back the nationwide requirement that abortion pills must be obtained in person. The requirement had been lifted during the COVID-19 pandemic and later finalized under the Biden Administration.
UPDATE: Makers of abortion pill mifepristone file Supreme Court emergency appeal after ruling blocks access
Planned Parenthood was offering telehealth abortion care and now must stop, telling patients to contact health centers with questions.
In a statement CEO Alexis McGill Johnson, said: "This is yet another attack on abortion that is rooted in politics, not science . . . Planned Parenthood health centers remain committed to providing abortion care where legal, and will do whatever it takes to ensure patients can get the care they need, when and where they need it."
Governor Gavin Newsom also voicing concern Friday night, in statement vowing to quote "fight like hell" against anyone threatening reproductive rights in this state.
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