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Jill Durocher

"Who is Driving You Home Today?" Escort Policies as a Barrier to Abortion Access

Published
January 11th, 2022
Type
Publication
Topic
Medication Abortion
Authors
Mark A, Roberts R, Foster AM, Prager SW, Ryan R, Winikoff B

Contraception; January 11, 2022; Vol. 108: 4-6; doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2021.12.012

Post-sedation escort policies are not evidence-based but traditional consensus recommendations made by professional societies. As people travel further for abortion care, escort policies are increasingly difficult to navigate and force people to delay care, compromise privacy, or undergo procedures without sedation. At worst, clinics may turn away people who present without an escort. Recent research shows that patients can be discharged safely after sedation using rideshare or transport services without a known escort. Updating escort policies lowers barriers to abortion and preserves autonomy, comfort, and choice.