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Regions Hospital To Cease Abortion Services

ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- Regions Hospital in St. Paul announced their plan to cease providing abortion care services starting Dec. 9.

A press release announced the plan to close the GYN Special Services Clinic, noting it was part of the clinic's overall planning approach as of late, moving certain medical care services to non-hospital settings.

The plan aims to reduce overall costs and improve the facilities' accessibility. The release also cited the alternative locations for women seeking abortions.

"Community-based providers are available for women seeking confidential abortion care services. Women in Minnesota have community-based providers they can turn to when seeking confidential abortion care services in a professional medical setting," said Chris Boese, Regions' vice president of patient care. "We're confident that patients will find the care they need from providers in our community, who provide comprehensive care, including reproductive health and family planning."

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Adam Carter Reports

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Linnea House, the executive director for NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota, said the change puts added stress on women seeking abortions.

"The fewer services and providers that we have for abortion care puts added stress on women who are seeking abortion care," said House. "While I respect the decision made by Regions, I do think it highlights the need for making sure that women have access to safe care."

House said it's part of nationwide movement to end abortions at hospitals, limiting such services to non-profit clinics or for-profit organizations.

"It's part of a larger trend further stigmatizing abortion providers, making it more controversial to receive access (to abortion services.)," House said.

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