Hey, Embedded listeners, this is Kelly McEvers.

Last year, we published a series about a global network of folks who are helping people get safe abortions without a doctor.

And that series feels pretty relevant right now.

After next Monday, May 11th, depending on what the U.S. Supreme Court decides, providers in the U.S. might not be able to prescribe the abortion pill Mifapristone via telehealth.

But doctors and experts say it won't stop people from being able to get abortion pills through the mail.

Listen here to Abby Wendell, who helped report and produce our series, The Network, as she explains what's going on.

Then head back to Embedded Season 24 to hear the full story.

Start with Episode 1, Saintec.

Medication abortion in the U.S. typically involves two pills, Miphapristone and Miceprostol.

But as doctors face the possibility of no longer being able to prescribe Miphypristone and Miceprostal. But as doctors face the possibility of no longer

being able to prescribe Mifapristone via telehealth, many are preparing to pivot. If we have to, we will

switch to a misoprostol-only regimen. Dr. Angel Foster is the co-founder of the Massachusetts

Medication Abortion Access Project. The organization is a shield law provider,

meaning they mail abortion medication to patients around the country, regardless of state laws

restricting abortion. Decades of research shows taking misoprostol alone is a safe and effective

option to end early pregnancy, though the experience may be more uncomfortable.

Foster says it's not her preferred regimen, but it's a crucial alternative.

You know, I feel like I can hold two things at the same time. The first is that this decision

is terrible, and we should be able to provide mithopristone and mesoprostol via telemedicine.

All of the evidence supports that.

And I'm incredibly grateful that we have a high-quality alternative in mesoprostal alone that we can pivot to to provide patient care.

Other doctors we spoke with are also prepared to pivot to mysoprostol only.

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