US virtual abortion clinic raises US$6.1m to expand abortion access post Roe v Wade

 A US virtual abortion clinic has raised US$6.1m to bring people safe, private and affordable abortion care in a post-Roe world.

The so-called “Roe Round” will help Hey Jane to resource new efforts to reach more patients seeking abortion care following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade.

After what the founders described as “a tremendous outpouring of interest”, the abortion provider has closed the funding round with the help of female-founded funds, including Ulu Ventures, The Helm, Amboy Street, Portfolia, and G9,

“Do some investors hesitate to invest in an abortion startup? Sure — but that won’t stop us,” said Kiki Freedman, Hey Jane co-founder and CEO.

“We’re unrelenting in our mission and excited by the growing number of investors who see the value of this work.

“We’re incredibly proud of this record-breaking funding round that will allow us to continue innovating and serving as a category leader at such a pivotal moment in history.”

Lindsey Taylor Wood, partner at The Helm, said: “In a post-Roe world, innovation will be key in solving for access to abortion.

“Hey Jane is a lighthouse, not only for the individuals seeking medication abortion, but the companies following in their footsteps.

“They are guiding all stakeholders — the public and private sectors, the policymakers, and the individuals looking for scaleable solutions — toward an undeniable reality: When investing in women’s holistic and comprehensive healthcare, the social and financial returns are exponential,” she added.

Hey Jane has supported nearly 20,000 patients in only a year and a half and is expecting the abortion pill to become an increasingly crucial option for millions throughout the US following the recent court’s decision.

The company says patient demand has increased by three times in the past year, growing its clinical team by five times and expanding its footprint from three to eight states.

Freedman said: “We’re incredibly proud of this record-breaking funding round that will allow us to continue innovating and serving as a category leader at such a pivotal moment in history.

“With our Roe Round of funding, we’ll be able to make an even bigger impact — quickly.”

She added: “We plan on using this latest round to continue growing our all-star team, expand access to even more patients through insurance and enterprise partnerships, launch in new states, and treat other common but stigmatised healthcare needs, such as postpartum depression and anxiety, using our innovative Complete Care approach which combines emotional support and online community with a strong clinical core.”

Hey Jane is planning to expand select services to all 50 states by the end of 2023.

Nancy Torres, partner at Ulu Ventures, said: “We are thrilled to support Hey Jane’s vision of becoming the most trusted healthcare company.

“Hey Jane’s approach of delivering clinical, emotional, and social support through one platform has led to industry-leading customer satisfaction and widespread brand loyalty.

“The trust Hey Jane earns with patients today could extend into other areas of healthcare that impact women and diverse groups disproportionately, and their complete care approach has the potential to support patients over a lifetime.”

For more info, visit heyjane.com.