Planned Parenthood announced on May 21 that its expanding abortion access in several states, including Hawaiʻi, through a new program that allows patients 18 and older to obtain abortion medication before becoming pregnant.
The initiative called “Just In Case Abortion Pills” gives eligible patients access to medication abortion pills to keep on hand for future use if they later decide to end a pregnancy.
The program uses the medications mifepristone and misoprostol, which are commonly prescribed for medication abortions and approved for use up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
The organization said the service is designed to improve access to reproductive health care by reducing delays for patients seeking abortion care.
Rebecca Gibron said in a press release that the program is intended to give patients more flexibility and control over reproductive health decisions.
Patients can obtain the medications through telehealth appointments or at any of the affiliate’s 16 health centers in Hawaiʻi.
“When someone does not want to be pregnant, timing matters,” Gibron said. “Just In Case Abortion Pills give that person the ability to act quickly and confidently.”
The organization said patients will undergo eligibility screenings and receive counseling and instructions before receiving the medication.
Clinicians also will be available by phone to answer questions before and after use.
Planned Parenthood officials emphasized that the medication is not an emergency contraception, which is intended to prevent pregnancy shortly after intercourse. Instead, the pills are prescribed for use after pregnancy occurs.
Colleen McNicholas said the expansion comes amid ongoing national debates over abortion access and medication abortion policies.
“Just In Case Abortion Pills put decision-making power where it belongs: with patients,” McNicholas said.
The rollout follows a growing trend among reproductive health providers nationwide offering advanced prescriptions for medication abortion in states where abortion remains legal and protected.
