As of this coming Thursday, local women will have access to free abortion pills.
The province has announced Mifegysimo, a pill being called a safe and effective medical alternative to surgical abortion, will be free to women with a valid health card and a prescription. The province says the benefits of access to the pill will be seen particularly in rural and remote areas.
Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health Sexual Health and Harm Reduction Program Manager Stephanie McFaul says this will help women avoid more intrusive surgical procedures.
McFaul says this gives all women another option when faced with an unplanned pregnancy.
The abortion pill can be used to terminate pregnancies up to seven weeks without the need for surgery.
According to 2014 statistics from the health unit, 38 per cent of teen pregnancies in Hastings and Prince Edward counties ended with therapeutic abortions, versus 56 per cent across Ontario.
(Written by: Andreas Pandikiu)