By Kate Renner

EUGENE, Ore. -- Planned Parenthood of Southwest Oregon will provide women with the abortion pill starting in March.

For the first time in the Eugene clinic's history, they won't just be a referral site, but an actual distribution site.

In the past, Planned Parenthood of Eugene has referred their clients to doctors who perform surgical abortions. But a recent study by their board of directors showed that many of the physicians they partner with are retiring. So, a local abortion is not as accessible for women in our region. That's why the Eugene clinic will start distributing the abortion pill next month.

When Planned Parenthood surveyed Oregon's southwest region, the agency noticed an alarming new trend.

"The access to medication abortion is not widely available in our region," said CEO Planned Parenthood SW Oregon Cynthia Pappas.

Surgical abortion is the only option in Eugene, and with a dwindling number of physicians performing that operation, Planned Parenthood will increase the choices for women with the medication.

"Eliminating barriers to access to reproductive health care and to abortion is an integral part of our mission," said Pappas.

"This is not an aspirin. This is not an Excederin. This is a pill powerful enough to kill her unborn child," said Oregon Right to Life Executive Director Gayle Atteberry.

The Oregon Right to Life group fears this new pill will be too easy for young women to get their hands on.

"I'm especially concerned about the teenage girls that will see this as a lot easier than surgical abortion, a lot quicker, a lot more private," said Atteberry.

But pro-choice advocates say that's the point.

"Having a pill around that might eradicate some of that physical pain that goes along with the emotional pain I think is a good thing," said Elisabeth Waner.

It's not to be confused with the morning-after pill or birth control. This drug can be used for women up to nine weeks pregnant.

"Calling it an abortion pill is unfortunate. It's a freedom pill. Freedom of choice pill," said Viki Meyer, who is pro-choice.

Opponents say it's unsafe since a doctor isn't needed to prescribe the medication, but Planned Parenthood disagrees.

"It's sad for the girls that will be caught up in this," said Atteberry.

"It's a legal service. It's a medically proven and safe service," said Pappas.

The Planned Parenthood Clinic in Ashland is the only other clinic in southwest Oregon to start distributing the pill next month.