Katherine E. Michael, a physician at Doctor Doula, said that abortion pill reversal (APR) using oral progesterone is a safe method that provides women who change their minds an opportunity to sustain their pregnancy. She made this statement at the Save the Babies Rally in New Mexico on January 29.
"Administering high doses of progesterone can outcompete mifepristone for progesterone receptors," said E Michael. "APR empowers women to make informed choices and preserves life without unnecessary risks. A 64-68% success rate in continuing pregnancies when progesterone was administered within 72 hours."
According to Michael's speech at the Capitol, progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy, and its use in APR follows established medical principles of competitive hormone binding. Studies indicate there is no increased risk of birth defects or preterm labor compared to baseline populations. As of 2021, over 2,500 babies have been saved through APR protocols.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2022, 53.3% of all abortions were early medication abortions, reflecting a growing reliance on medication-based procedures. This marked a 4% increase from 2021 and a 129% rise since 2013. Additionally, 92.8% of abortions occurred at less than or equal to 13 weeks gestation.
According to Source NM, in 2023, 14,200 Texans traveled to New Mexico for abortion services, making up 70% of the state’s estimated 21,000 abortions that year. The percentage of out-of-state abortion recipients in New Mexico rose from 38% in 2020 to 71% in 2023, the highest proportion in the United States. Abortions in New Mexico have increased more than 260% since 2020, largely due to patients from restrictive neighboring states.
Michael's LinkedIn profile indicates she is a physician, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and doula passionate about women’s health, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. With a background in reproductive health research and education, she integrates medical expertise with community outreach.
