Hey Jane Raises $2.2M to Expand Abortion Access

Telemedicine Abortion Provider Hey Jane Secures $2.2 Million in Funding

Amidst increasing abortion restrictions across numerous states, Hey Jane, a startup specializing in virtual abortion care via telemedicine, has announced a successful oversubscribed funding round of $2.2 million. Investors participating in this round include Koa Lab, Gaingels, and Foursight Capital Partners.

Origins of Hey Jane

The concept for this remote-focused company originated from a discussion in 2019 between founder and CEO Kiki Freedman and her friends. They were concerned about Missouri potentially becoming one of six states with only a single remaining abortion clinic.

Freedman clarified that the clinic was, in fact, facing potential closure that summer, which would have resulted in Missouri being the first state without abortion access. Fortunately, the clinic was ultimately able to remain operational.

Addressing a Gap in Women’s Healthcare

Freedman shared with TechCrunch that she observed a trend where emerging telemedicine clinics primarily focused on men’s wellness, often neglecting women’s health concerns. She envisioned a virtual model that could deliver safe and confidential abortion care.

An anonymous investor expressed enthusiasm for backing Freedman and Hey Jane, recognizing a significant gap in women’s healthcare services. Unlike men’s health, abortion care has historically been separated from general women’s healthcare due to mandates initiated during the Reagan administration.

The Landscape of Abortion Access

According to Planned Parenthood, one in four women will have an abortion by the age of 45. However, access to this care is increasingly limited. The Guttmacher Institute reports over 90 abortion restrictions were enacted in the U.S. in 2021 alone, bringing the total to 1,320.

Currently, Arkansas and Oklahoma have near-total abortion bans, with exceptions only when a patient’s life is at risk. Idaho, South Carolina, and Texas impose bans at six weeks of gestation or with severely limited exceptions.

Expanding Access Through Telemedicine

A pivotal moment arrived in July 2020 when a federal judge authorized women to obtain abortion medication without an in-person doctor’s visit. This ruling paved the way for companies like Hey Jane to offer “no touch” services to individuals less than 10 weeks pregnant.

Hey Jane’s Comprehensive Treatment

The $249 treatment package encompasses a medical screening, FDA-approved medication shipped overnight, follow-up virtual appointments, and ongoing access to a doctor for consultation. The Hey Jane team also maintains regular contact with patients via text message.

Recognizing the importance of affordability, Hey Jane prioritizes removing financial obstacles. While the company doesn’t currently accept insurance, it collaborates with Reprocare, a nonprofit abortion fund, to provide financial assistance, potentially reducing the cost to as little as $139.

Future Growth and Expansion

The recent funding will facilitate Hey Jane’s expansion into new states and bolster its team of seven. Resources will be allocated to product development, automation of processes, and legal research to ensure compliance with evolving telemedicine and abortion laws.

The company adheres to strict regulatory requirements, including ensuring clinicians are licensed to practice in the states where they provide care. Hey Jane also provides access to on-demand emotional support resources.

Current Service Areas and Impact

Hey Jane recently launched in California and currently operates in New York and Washington. These states collectively account for approximately 34% of all abortions performed annually in the United States, according to Freedman.

Freedman emphasizes that even in states with relatively accessible clinics, Hey Jane offers significant benefits. The service is as safe and effective as in-clinic care, but at half the cost, eliminating travel expenses, childcare needs, and ensuring privacy and discretion, alongside enhanced emotional support.

Long-Term Vision and Research

Freedman anticipates expanding to 10 states by the end of the year and aims to offer treatment in all 50 states in the coming years. However, regulatory hurdles currently restrict telemedicine abortion access in 19 states.

To address these challenges, Hey Jane is partnering with the Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health research group at the University of California, San Francisco, to gather data demonstrating the safety, effectiveness, and patient preference for this care modality. The goal is to inform policy discussions and promote patient-centered regulations.

Growth and Patient Focus

The company is experiencing 250% quarterly growth in patient numbers and is concentrating on developing additional tools for coordinated care and innovative products.

Acknowledging the sensitive nature of abortion, Hey Jane aims to provide a discreet platform for patients to share their experiences and emotions, recognizing that many individuals keep abortions private due to fear of judgment or discrimination.

“We are focusing on convenience and privacy,” Freedman stated. “Two-thirds of women don’t want to talk about their experience, so we want to provide a space for them.”

Please remember that women’s health matters are deeply personal. If you or someone you know is facing a private women’s health concern, please consult with your primary care physician or a secular community health clinic for further information.