Telehealth abortion is available in approximately 27 states where abortion remains legal. Eight states have enacted shield laws that specifically protect providers prescribing abortion pills across state lines: California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
These shield laws allow licensed providers to prescribe medication abortion via telehealth to patients in restrictive states while protecting providers from legal prosecution. Understanding what abortion shield laws are helps clarify how cross-state telehealth abortion works.
How it works: You complete an online consultation with a licensed provider who reviews your medical history. If eligible (typically up to 10-11 weeks pregnant), they prescribe mifepristone and misoprostol shipped directly to you.
By mid-2025, telehealth accounted for 27% of all U.S. abortions, with 55% of telehealth abortions provided under shield laws. About 19 states ban or restrict telehealth abortion entirely.
In Illinois, telemedicine abortion is legal and accessible without restrictions.
Board-Certified Physician & Senior Medical Correspondent
Dr. James Carter is a board-certified physician and a lead clinician at Serenity Choice Health, where he specializes in reproductive health access and medication abortion protocols. With a career dedicated to providing safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care, Dr. Carter bridges the gap between complex clinical guidelines and patient-centered health communication. In his dual role as a Medical Writer and Researcher, Dr. Carter has become a prominent voice in the reproductive health space. He is a contributor on Quora and various health publications, where he provides clinical insights into the legal landscape of telehealth, Shield Law compliance, and modern medication abortion standards. His writing focuses on empowering patients with the data they need to make informed, private decisions about their health.
