Access to medical abortion will soon be available on Cape Cod

HYANNIS — Access to abortion services will soon return to Cape Cod for the first time since 2008.

"It's about time," said state Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro, who represents the Cape and Islands.

Health Imperatives, a nonprofit organization with clinics in Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket, will provide medical abortion at all seven locations after receiving $700,000 in new state funding. Julia Kehoe, the CEO and president, said she expects the service will be offered in July.

Medical abortion, or medicated abortion, refers to a procedure that uses medicine to end a pregnancy. A medical abortion doesn't require surgery or anesthesia, and is typically used in the first trimester of pregnancy, according to mayoclinic.org.

As of now, Health Imperatives counsels clients on available options and connects them with resources and other providers.

On Wednesday, the Baker-Polito administration announced $4.1 million in grants to 11 community organizations and health care providers, including Health Imperatives, to expand abortion access in under-served regions, increase use of telehealth, train providers, and improve outreach.

Funds will come from the fiscal year 2023 state budget and a reserve fund.

Health Imperatives also includes locations in New Bedford, Wareham, Brockton, and Plymouth.

Abortion services for Cape Cod residents are currently more than an hour's drive away

Cape Cod is considered to be an "abortion desert" by individuals seeking to provide, use or protect those services. The last abortion clinic on Cape Cod, Women's Health Center in Hyannis, closed in 2008 after a client died during a procedure.

The closest clinics offering abortions — the Women's Health Center in Brookline and Four Women Health Services in Attleboro — are more than an hour's drive from the bridges.

More:If someone needs an abortion on the Cape, it's not simple. Here's what you need to know

For Martha's Vineyard, the move represents the first time medical abortion will be available via a local provider. On Nantucket, the island hospital has been providing the service, according to a statement from state Rep. Dylan Fernandes, D-Woods Hole.

"What this means on the Cape is people will no longer have to leave the Cape for this important service and receive it from a local provider," said Kehoe.

More:Roe v. Wade has been overturned. What this means for abortions in Massachusetts.

Cyr called the development "a long-sought victory," and said he, Fernandes, and state Rep. Sarah Peake, D-Provincetown, discussed bringing and expanding abortion access to the region before the pandemic. Then, in late June, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating the constitutional right to abortion.

"The Dobbs decision has forced us in Massachusetts to look closer at home and make sure we're following and living our values and that includes ensuring all residents of the commonwealth have access to abortion no matter where they live," he said.

What is a medical abortion?

"Medicinal abortion" or "pill abortion" is an approach first authorized by the Food and Drug Administration in 2000.

Mifepristone is used with another medication called misoprostol to end a pregnancy that is less than 70 days developed. The pills are taken about two days apart.  The medicine must be prescribed by a doctor. It is not available at over-the-counter in pharmacies or other stores, though in some places only a telemedicine visit is required to get mifepristone and misoprostol.

More:What is mifepristone, the abortion pill? What to know after the Supreme Court overturned Roe

Cyr said those who need a surgical abortion will need to go off-Cape or off-Island at this time, but he said medical abortion may cover much of the region's needs.

"Medical abortion is approved for use up to 10 weeks" of pregnancy, said Cyr.

In the months ahead, Health Imperatives will develop its infrastructure, train and prepare staff, acquire the medical equipment needed, and enhance its security system, Kehoe said.

Other grant recipients include Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Medical Center, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, and Cambridge Health Alliance.

"We are very happy we will be able to address this one gap," said Kehoe.

Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @zanerazz.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: With state aid, nonprofit to provide medical abortion service on Cape