Virtual Abortion And Reproductive Health Care Expands In New York

NEW YORK — More than a million New York women who are in a contraceptive desert now have better access to reproductive and sexual health care thanks to the expansion of the telemedicine abortion clinic Hey Jane, the company announced this month.

The clinic has now expanded to offer New Yorkers access to vaginal infection treatment, including UTIs, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and herpes, more than 100 birth control options, emergency contraception, and care from their phone with or without insurance, the company explained in an email to Patch.

"When we started Hey Jane, we were addressing one of the most critical health care needs: abortion. Along the way, we’ve listened to our patients and witnessed firsthand the deteriorating state of reproductive and sexual health care in our country," Hey Jane CEO Kiki Freedman wrote in a news release. "We knew it was time to help expand access to other crucial services while continuing to provide the care patients deserve."

Hey Jane's clinical care team is made up of board-certified doctors, advanced practice clinicians, nurses, and patient care advocates, according to the company.

After completing an intake, patients will consult with a licensed Hey Jane provider within one business day, eliminating wait times, and have access to 24/7 urgent medical support should they need it, the company said.

In addition, after connecting with a clinician via text, phone, or video, Hey Jane patients are able to access the same medications they can get from their doctor or local clinic, according to the company.

"An alarming 24,840 [New York] women reside in counties that lack any health center offering a comprehensive range of contraceptive methods," Hey Jane said. "The launch will help bridge the gap in access in these counties where patients will no longer need to travel to get the care they need."

Though the assessment and treatment of the patient are done remotely, Hey Jane explained in an email to Patch how it helps them find the treatment option "customized to their unique health and lifestyle needs."

"We trust our patients, encourage them to listen to their bodies, and share any and all questions or concerns," the company said. "This open communication has also allowed us to have insight into their experience, and work with them on what is normal and not during treatment."

Affordable care options are available, including sliding scale pricing for those paying out of pocket, the company added.

Hey Jane's services are currently available in the 11 states where the company operates, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Washington. The company added that it has plans to launch in more states throughout 2023.

According to the website of New York State Attorney General Letitia James, even with Roe v. Wade overturned, New York state has extensive protections in place to ensure that anyone can get an abortion. In 2019, New York passed the Reproductive Health Act to solidify a person's right to make their own decisions about their reproductive health.