Phoenix clinic reveals way for women to receive abortion pill without breaking Arizona law

(KYMA, KECY/ AP News) - A Phoenix abortion clinic has come up with a way for patients who can end their pregnancy using a pill to get the medication without running into the Arizona law that bans most abortions.

The Food and Drug Administration earlier this year permanently removed rules requiring in-person consultations with a provider before women can receive a medication abortion, ultimately allowing women to have a telehealth appointment and get the pills through the mail.

But Arizona has a law that bans mailing the pills, as well as the law that bans all abortions unless the life of the mother is in jeopardy.

That has led clinics to make arrangements with clinics in New Mexico and California to treat patients who wanted to access the abortion pill as well as those more than 12 weeks along who need a surgical abortion.

Now under the new arrangement, patients will have an ultrasound in Arizona; get a prescription through a telehealth appointment with a California doctor; and then have it mailed to a post office in a California border town for pickup.