Ohio bill looks to ban abortions via telemedicine

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)- Telemedicine is becoming more common, it’s a way for people to speak to  their doctors remotely. However, one state senator says not everything should be available via telemedicine, including abortion.

Senate bill 260 would prevent doctors from prescribing abortion medication via telemedicine. State Senator Steve Huffman says it’s about keeping women safe.

“Opponents have always talked about making sure that abortions are safe, this will make sure that the patient is a true candidate and a safe candidate to have an in person interview,” said Sen. Huffman, (R) Tipp City. 

NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio disagrees and says the practice is safe. 

“There’s actually been research studies comparing direct dispensing of the medication to using telemed and there’s absolutely no difference in patient outcomes and patient safety between the two mechanisms,” said Jaime Miracle, Deputy Director for NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio.

The group also thinks the decision doesn’t need to be made in a clinical setting. 

“Individuals are choosing to have an abortion because it is the best decision for them and their family it doesn’t matter if they are talking to a doctor over video conference or in person,” said Miracle.

Sen. Huffman is a practicing physician and says this big of a decision shouldn’t be made over telecommunication.

“I just don’t think you can minimize the face to face interaction with the physician, the body language and everything that in person interview with a physician does,” said Sen. Huffman, a practicing physician. 

Currently the bill has 16 republican cosponsors.