Abstract
Objectives: Most research on cost-related abortion barriers relies on clinic-based samples, which likely misses people who never make it through the doors of a clinic. We set out to assess financial obstacles among anonymous posters to a social media site as they were considering abortion.
Highlights
Most research on cost-related abortion barriers relies on clinic-based samples, which likely misses people who never make it through the doors of a clinic
Reddit posters in this study described themes aligned with prior clinic-based research of abortion patients, while providing additional information on the real-time effects of cost-related barriers
Using R-statistical software we described and compared the provider demographics, volume of STMA/TTMA performed, and characteristics of clinical practices
Summary
Mifepristone became available for first trimester medical abortion (FTMA) in Canada in 2017. Abortion provision including FTMA telemedicine, and perceived barriers. Results: FTMA provision was reported by 365 participants across Canada. Ultrasound was required for all patients by 43.5% of respondents, serum βhCG testing by 72.1%, and urine hCG by 43.6%. Barriers to providing FTMA by telemedicine were perceived by 76.6% of respondents; most commonly the inability to confirm gestational age by ultrasound where the patient resides. Conclusions: most respondents perceived barriers to telemedicine FTMA in 2019, almost half reported providing some aspects of their care via telemedicine. Our results will inform knowledge translation activities to reduce barriers and increase accessibility of abortion care in Canada and abroad
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