in the world of medicine without the quack propaganda. Today we’ll be talking about

the growing procedure of using telemedicine to prescribe what’s commonly known as the

“abortion pill” to women.

A new study looked into the practice of video conferencing with a patient before prescribing

her an abortion pill. It turns out that there was no difference compared to those who had

a face-to-face visit.

The findings are centered on an already controversial practice called telemedicine, and many people

believe that abortions shouldn’t be handed out via an Internet conference. The opponents,

terming it a ‘webcam abortion,’ charge that it can pose a health risk to women, and

several states have actually banned the practice. But since this study seems to show that there

are no greater health risks involved… it now becomes a political issue.

For those who are pushing the new procedure, telemedicine has the possibility to open up

doors for women who don’t live near any good healthcare facilities. Planned Parenthood

started the program because there were some women in lower economic divisions that were

not able to get to their location for whatever reason. Some were working all the time, some

didn’t have any transportation, and some just lived too far away and had other things

to take care of. But now, rather than having a child because they had no other option,

women are allowed to decide if they are ready by having a video conference with a doctor.

And supporters are quick to show that this isn’t a place where women can log on and

be talked into abortions. These are real doctors who will put out both sides and weigh the

pros and cons with the women.

So which side of the fence do you stand on? If you think an important procedure like an

abortion needs at least a face-to-face visit with your doctor, or if you think the telemedicine

program is an effective new way to treat otherwise untreatable patients, leave your comments

below.

That’s it for this edition of Insider’s Health TV. I’m your host, Kimberly Walleston.

And remember: it’s your health. We’re just helping you think outside the box.