Planned Parenthood Offers Abortion Medication in Advance in Washington and Hawaii

Planned Parenthood clinics in Washington state and Hawaii began offering mifepristone and misoprostol for future use on May 21, 2026. The program, called "Just In Case Abortion Pills," allows patients to keep the medication on hand for potential later use.

The initiative launched at Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai'i, Alaska, Indiana and Kentucky. Patients can receive the medication either in person at one of the 16 health centers or through telehealth services.

Dr. Colleen McNicholas, chief of medical affairs at the same affiliate, said staff will remain available to answer questions if patients use the medication later. The medication has a shelf life of approximately two years. Patients pay $100 if they are uninsured.

Telehealth organizations have offered advance prescriptions for several years. Elisa Wells, co-founder of Plan C, said the involvement of a Planned Parenthood affiliate adds trust and name recognition to the service. Anna Fiastro, research scientist at the University of Washington School of Medicine, said the medications are available over the counter in other countries and have established safety records.

She noted that the World Health Organization has issued guidance for self-managed use through the first trimester. The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to a request for comment. Louisiana is the only state that classifies the medications as controlled substances.