New Jersey placed 22nd in a comprehensive new analysis examining access to abortion medication through telehealth services, as remote abortion care becomes an increasingly significant component of reproductive healthcare nationwide.

The study, released by Carafem, analyzed data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, UCLA, the Guttmacher Institute, Plan C and proprietary sources to assess legal protections, accessibility and demand across all states and the District of Columbia.

Researchers evaluated six metrics spanning three categories: legality of telehealth abortion services, accessibility of providers, and patient demand. The analysis reveals a rapidly evolving landscape following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Telehealth now accounts for 25 percent of all abortions performed in the United States, a record proportion reflecting both technological adoption and shifting state-level regulations. Patients in states with abortion restrictions increasingly seek medication from out-of-state providers, though legal frameworks governing these transactions remain complex and subject to frequent changes.

Maine topped the overall rankings, followed by Colorado, New York, Maryland and California. New York and New Mexico lead the nation with 33 online abortion providers each, offering patients the widest selection of telehealth services.

Wyoming demonstrated the highest demand for abortion pills despite restrictive state laws, illustrating the disconnect between local regulations and patient needs. This finding underscores how residents in restrictive states actively pursue remote care options.

Shield law protections represent a critical component of the legal framework. Twenty-two states and the District of Columbia have enacted protections against out-of-state prosecutions related to abortion services. The top-ranked states, excluding Maryland, provide seven primary areas of legal protection for both providers and patients seeking telehealth abortion care.

Out-of-state abortion services have surged dramatically, nearly doubling from 81,000 procedures in 2020 to 155,000 in 2024. This 91 percent increase reflects both the elimination of federal abortion protections and the expansion of telehealth infrastructure.

New Jersey's neighboring states show divergent rankings. New York placed third nationally, offering robust legal protections and extensive provider networks. Pennsylvania ranked 25th, three positions below New Jersey, indicating more limited telehealth abortion access despite geographic proximity.

The study highlights significant regional variations in reproductive healthcare access. Legal, logistical and technological barriers create vastly different experiences for patients depending on their state of residence.

Healthcare policy experts note that telemedicine abortion involves multiple regulatory considerations including prescription requirements, mailing restrictions, provider licensing across state lines, and criminal liability shields. States continuously update these policies, creating ongoing uncertainty for both providers and patients.

The medication abortion process typically involves two drugs taken sequentially, with remote providers offering consultation, prescription and follow-up care entirely through digital platforms. Research indicates medication abortion carries safety profiles comparable to in-person procedures when proper protocols are followed.

As state legislatures continue debating abortion access, telehealth services represent an evolving frontier in reproductive healthcare delivery, with legal frameworks struggling to keep pace with technological capabilities and patient demand.