Season 12 • Episode 928

928 - When Pharmacists Prescribe Medication for Abortion

Aug 4, 2025

16:30

Global Health Reproductive Rights Public Health

Episode Description

About this episode:

Following the rise of restrictive abortion laws around the country, a pilot program in Washington state is training pharmacists to screen for and prescribe medication abortion. In this episode: Dr. Beth Rivin talks about the Pharmacist Abortion Access Project and how it's creating more options for safe, convenient, and effective care for women—especially those living in rural and low-income communities.

Guest:

Dr. Beth Rivin, MPH, is the President and CEO of Uplift International, an organization focused on improving health and human rights with a particular emphasis on family planning and reproductive rights.

Host:

Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs.

Show links and related content:

Abortion Pills Prescribed by Pharmacists Are Newest Effort in Abortion Fight—New York Times
In Washington state, pharmacists are prescribing abortion drugs—NPR
Mifepristone and EMTALA SCOTUS Rulings: A Holding Pattern—Public Health On Call (July 2024)

Transcript information:

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