LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Planned Parenthood has launched a new virtual health center in Kentucky, connecting people across the state to a number of health care services.

Patients will be able to connect with providers through the Kentucky Virtual Health Center to discuss pregnancy planning, STI testing and treatment and more. 

“A visit, for example, birth control and a patient needs access to birth control, we can do that video visit with the patient, and then we can send in their refill or their prescription to their local pharmacies,” said Rebecca Gibron, CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawaii, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky (PPGNHAIK).

According to a press release from PPGNHAIK, 76 Kentucky counties lack an OB-GYN.

“It's really important that in a climate that is driving away practitioners of reproductive health, that there is every avenue for Kentuckians to have access to non-biased reproductive health experts in the field,” said Tamarra Wieder, Kentucky state director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates.

Savannah Trebuna, Kentucky Health Justice Network's Abortion Fund director, noted there are several positives of the new center. The network is a close ally of Planned Parenthood, with a mission to support people’s right to bodily autonomy.

“I think it's the right response to all the targeted attacks of gender-affirming care in session,” Trebuna said. “Having low-cost and low-barrier options for trans people is going to save lives.”

The virtual health center accepts Medicaid and several insurance options. People without either won’t be turned away and can check out options on the website. It is open Monday through Friday and appointments can be made through the webpage.