Planned Parenthood sues to block Iowa ban on telemedicine abortion

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland filed a lawsuit in federal court Sept. 30 asking a judge to grant a stay against a rule from the Iowa Board of Medicine that would restrict abortion access in the state.

On Aug. 30, members of the state board voted to adopt rules that would ban telemedicine delivery for medical abortion and require that patients receive a physical examination before and after the administration of an abortion-inducing drug. The medical board asserts that the telemedicine practices “are inconsistent with the protocols approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the manufacturer of the drugs” because they don't include an in-person meeting with a physician.

But Planned Parenthood argues that the ruling is politically motivated, not medically necessary, and results in putting Iowa women at risk. According to the organization, the telemedicine approach was implemented in 2008 to provide women in remote areas equal access to abortion procedures and was investigated fully to ensure its compliance with state law.

“The decision by the Board of Medicine jeopardizes the health of women in our state and creates unnecessary barriers for a woman to obtain the safe healthcare she needs,” Jill June, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, said in a statement. “This rule by the Iowa Board of Medicine puts the health and well-being of Iowa women in jeopardy and impedes my ability to offer safe healthcare in rural communities throughout this state.”

The rule is scheduled to take effect Nov. 6. If it does, Planned Parenthood of the Heartland will suspend telemedicine delivery of abortion drugs at 15 Iowa health centers.

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