Planned Parenthood of Illinois expands medication abortion access through app

(WAND) - Planned Parenthood of Illinois is expanding abortion care options to include offering medication abortion through the PPDirect App.

Currently, PPIL provides birth control, UTI treatment, at-home STI testing and emergency contraception through PPDirect.

“As PPIL is facing financial difficulties and an uncertain future because of the current administration, we are doing what we can to expand care and meet our patients where they are,” said Tonya Tucker, Interim President and CEO of PPIL. “Offering medication abortion through the PPDirect app allows patients to connect with us through their phone and removes the barrier of having to visit a health center.”

Patients using PPDirect fill out a questionnaire that is reviewed by a PPIL medical professional. PPIL mails the medication abortion pills to the qualified patients at their Illinois home address in 1-2 days. Patients can receive follow up care at a PPIL health center if needed, and they can make an appointment through the PPDirect app.

Dr. Virgil Reid, Interim Chief Medical Officer told WAND News, "There are a series of questions. A lot of those are geared towards determining how far along the pregnancy might be. As long as the pregnancy can be adequately dated with the screening questions, our staff reviews what the patient submits and if everything is good, the medications get sent out."

Medication abortion through PPDirect is $200 which includes shipping.

“Medication abortion accounts for half of the abortions PPIL provides," said Dr. Virgil Reid, Interim Chief Medical Officer. "Offering it through PPDirect makes it easier for patients to access care from where they are. Patients will receive the same trusted service they associate with PPIL and we are there to answer any questions or schedule an in-person appointment if needed.”

The app comes amidst a surge of telehealth appointments nationwide.

"What could be more private than pulling up an app in your home with no one looking over your shoulder," Dr. Reid asked. "You're not answering any questions to a person, just to an app."

For more information visit ppil.org.