Texas is coming for Abortion Pills By Mail
Yesterday, the Texas Attorney General filed a lawsuit that could have big implications for abortion access across state lines. The case targets Dr. Margaret Carpenter, a New York doctor who prescribed abortion pills to a woman in Texas via telehealth. Texas is arguing that even though Dr. Carpenter was following New York’s laws—which protect healthcare providers offering abortion services—her actions broke Texas law because abortion is banned there, even for people accessing care online. This is part of a broader effort by anti-abortion states to push the limits of how far their laws can reach.
A big twist in this case involves the woman’s ex-boyfriend, Nicholas Dostal, (a big F U to this guy), who allegedly turned over text messages between them and searched her house and found the two abortion pills used and prescribed by Dr. Carpenter. By sharing this private information with Texas authorities, Dostal played a central role in the state’s ability to file this lawsuit. It’s a reminder of how personal health decisions can be exposed and used against people in places with restrictive abortion laws, and that even people close to you can be big a-holes.
What Are Shield Laws?
Shield laws are state laws designed to protect abortion providers from being prosecuted under another state’s laws. For example, in New York, a doctor prescribing abortion pills through telemedicine is acting legally under New York law. These shield laws aim to prevent states like Texas from punishing doctors for following their own state’s rules. They also try to safeguard patient privacy and ensure providers aren’t forced to hand over records to hostile states. But Texas is now challenging whether these protections hold up when the care impacts someone in their state.
Why Does Telehealth Matter?
Telemedicine abortion has become a lifeline for people in states with restrictive abortion laws. Companies like Aid Access, Hey Jane, Abortion on Demand, and Choix are among several offering these services. These platforms allow patients to consult with a licensed provider online and receive abortion pills by mail. Medication abortion, which uses pills like mifepristone and misoprostol, is now the most common method of abortion in the U.S., accounting for over half of all cases.
For many, telehealth is a safe, effective, and private way to access care. But this lawsuit shows how anti-abortion states are trying to reach beyond their borders to crack down on this type of care. If Texas succeeds, it could set a precedent that makes telehealth abortion riskier for both patients and providers.
Why Does This Matter?
This case underscores how crucial it is to understand your rights and options. Shield laws and telehealth services are making care accessible, but the legal landscape is shifting fast. This lawsuit could impact providers, patients, and companies offering telemedicine care nationwide. It’s another reason why accurate, accessible information about reproductive health and legal protections is more critical than ever.
