Planned Parenthood of Illinois is expanding access to abortion care through its app, PPDirect, helping to offset the impact of four clinic closures, including one in Chicago. As a progressive state, Illinois has become a haven for individuals traveling from nearby states with abortion restrictions. This telehealth service allows patients to access the care they need from the comfort of their homes without enduring extensive travel or long wait times for appointments.
Operational since 2018 and available in more than half the states since 2019, PPDirect initially offered services such as birth control, UTI treatment, and STI testing. In response to growing abortion restrictions and clinic closures, the app has now expanded to include abortion pill access in select states, including Illinois.
“Medication abortion accounts for half of the abortions PPIL provides,” Dr. Virgil Reid, interim chief medical officer, said in a press release. “Offering it through PPDirect makes it easier for patients to access care from where they are. We ensure that patients receive the same trusted service and support they expect from PPIL.”
Patients using the app complete a questionnaire, which a medical professional at Planned Parenthood of Illinois reviews. If eligible, they receive mifepristone and misoprostol, medications that have been FDA-approved for over two decades. The pills are shipped directly to their homes within one to two days. The service costs $200, and patients can schedule a follow-up appointment through the app if desired.
As abortion restrictions tighten nationwide, digital solutions like PPDirect are becoming increasingly vital for patients seeking safe, timely care.
SOURCES
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/planned-parenthood-illinois-medication-abortion-app