Operation Save Abortion: Medication Abortion 101 With Dr. April Lockley, Amanda Allen & Lorenne Gavish

Experts in medication abortion gather in Washington, D.C. to discuss the safety, accessibility, and advocacy surrounding abortion pills. The panel includes Loren Gavish, digital media manager for Abortion on Our Own Terms; Dr. April Lockley, medical director of the Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline; and Amanda Allen, executive director of the Abortion Coalition for Telemedicine. They emphasize that medication abortion, primarily using mifepristone and misoprostol, is a safe and common method, accounting for approximately 63 to 65 percent of abortions in the U.S.

The discussion highlights the importance of self-managed abortions, which allow individuals to maintain control over their experience, often in the comfort of their homes. The panel addresses common misconceptions and fears associated with medication abortion, clarifying that these medications are also used for managing miscarriages and other medical conditions. They provide resources for individuals seeking medication abortion, including telehealth services and online pharmacies, while also discussing the implications of recent legal challenges and abortion bans in various states.

The conversation also touches on the expansion of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has improved access to medication abortion. The panelists stress the need for individuals to be informed about their options and to have a support system in place, especially in states with restrictive abortion laws. They conclude by encouraging listeners to seek out reliable information and to advocate for reproductive rights, emphasizing that despite legal challenges, access to abortion care continues to evolve and adapt.

In this episode, your Feminist Buzzkills bring another installment of the AAF series: Operation Save Abortion! It’s a VIDEO and audio podcast LIVE from the lawn of the Nation’s Capitol where Lizz and Moji were joined by abortion storytellers and all-around badasses to bring you the ultimate Medication Abortion 101.

How do abortion pills work? Why do people choose them? Are they safe? Where can you get them? And why are anti-abortion extremists so DESPERATE to scare you about them? We’re covering the basics, busting the bullshit, and hooking you up with resources to navigate your options, access pills online, and share your own abortion story.

PLUS: a whole toolkit of advocacy actions, myth-busting facts, and resources to help you feel informed, empowered, and ready to fight back.