CLEVELAND — Ohio state senators advanced a bill this week that would block access to abortion care using telemedicine.
The bill, championed by Right to Life groups, was passed by state senators and will now go to the House for a vote. If passed, women would be required to access abortion care in-person only, banning abortion care through telemedicine.
Telemedicine allows doctors to provide patient care remotely, distributing health services and information electronically. Telemedicine has become a growing way for people to see a doctor without going in person.
Workers at NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio believe the decision would mean less access for healthcare, but Ohio Right to Life doesn’t believe there’s any undue burden put on women who want medical abortions.
"We want to have that face-to-face consultation with the doctor and his patient," said Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life.
Two Republican senators voted no on the bill.
The telemedicine bill does not have a House vote scheduled at this time.
