Health security

Women Receive Abortion Pills By Mail As Part of New Study

Some U.S. women will receive abortion pills by mail as part of a study on whether these abortions, which don't involve going to an abortion clinic and are referred to as "telabortions," can be done safely.

The study is being conducted with women in four states, Hawaii, New York, Oregon and Washington. So far, 12 women have participated in the study, and 11 did not have any complications from taking the medicine, while one did not take the pills, according to the New York Times.

Currently, abortion pills cannot be sold in pharmacies in the United States, and are typically available only at abortion clinics and hospitals, the Times said. ['Abortion Pill' Gets New Label: 5 Things to Know About Mifepristone]

In the new study, women first consult with a doctor via an online video service. Then they go to a facility near them where they can undergo a few tests, including a blood test an ultrasound. Next, the researchers send a package will the pills in the mail via overnight delivery, the Times said. After taking the pills, the women will undergo some additional tests and have another video talk with the doctor.