Dr. Maya Bass, an abortion provider, has been making monthly trips from Philadelphia to Oklahoma for nearly four years to help women access abortions. However, since the state banned abortions following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, she has had to find new ways to support patients facing limited access to abortion services.
Bass began her journey in abortion care during medical school, where she trained at a Planned Parenthood clinic. She quickly recognized the importance of the connection between a provider and their patients. "I want to be that provider who lets people feel heard and helps break that stigma," she said.
Before the ban, Bass flew to Oklahoma to provide in-person care, even though the travel made her nauseous and required her to use vacation time from her regular job. Oklahoma has long struggled with a shortage of abortion providers, and she felt compelled to help fill that gap.
The landscape of abortion care began to shift in the early 2020s due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent legal changes. Medication abortions, which involve taking pills to terminate a pregnancy, have become increasingly common. In fact, they now account for 63% of all abortions in the U.S. Bass recalls her first experience counseling a patient through a medication abortion as straightforward and rewarding.
To perform a medication abortion, Bass used two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks a hormone necessary for pregnancy, while misoprostol causes contractions to empty the uterus. The FDA approved mifepristone in 2000 but imposed strict regulations on its use, which Bass found cumbersome.
Despite her frustrations with the regulations, Bass believed they were necessary to ensure patient safety. Patients had to undergo multiple tests and appointments, which she felt added unnecessary stress to the process. After the ban, she joined the Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline, where she now provides support to those self-managing their abortions.
Through the hotline, Bass has discovered that many women choose to self-manage their abortions for various reasons, including convenience and cost. This experience has changed her perspective on self-managed abortions, which she initially viewed as a last resort for desperate women. Now, she sees it as a valid choice for many.
The hotline has grown significantly since Roe was overturned, receiving thousands of calls each month. Bass finds that the conversations can be more intimate than those in a clinic setting, as patients often open up about their feelings and experiences. She feels that she can make a meaningful impact through this support.
The shift toward self-managed abortions and telehealth services has been accelerated by the loss of legal protections. While some doctors remain hesitant about these options due to political concerns, many are beginning to embrace new models of care that prioritize patient autonomy.
As the landscape of abortion care continues to evolve, Bass is committed to supporting women in whatever way she can, adapting to the changing needs of her patients in a world where access to abortion is increasingly restricted.