A lack of regular access to broadband and technology makes it challenging for rural pregnant people to get abortion care via telemedicine, especially if in-person options are not feasible in their communities.
What’s more, rural hospitals often lack the infrastructure and health information technology necessary to adopt telehealth practices, and thus cannot offer the same level of telemedicine services as urban hospitals. Widespread telehealth availability is necessary for ensuring access to medical care in general, especially when care is otherwise out of reach. Without telehealth, people are often left with limited options.
