Planned Parenthood aims for early November return
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It took less than a year for grassroots support to combine with a willing affiliate for Planned Parenthood to return to Louisiana.
Why it matters: The nonprofit sexual health provider aims to reopen a New Orleans clinic by early November.
Catch up quick: Planned Parenthood announced last August that it would somewhat suddenly close its two Louisiana clinics, including one in Baton Rouge and another in New Orleans.
- The New Orleans clinic had been open for more than 40 years.
- The decision came as "a direct result of relentless political assaults," Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast CEO Melaney Linton said in a statement at the time.
Behind the scenes: Staffers for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, watched on with sympathy — and decided to step in.
- "Since we do provide care and operate in neighboring Arkansas, we felt that directly," recalls the organization's CEO and president Emily Wales. "We were concerned about where patients would go. We know how few providers there are in states where you haven't had a lot of investment into the safety net infrastructure."
- It turned out that local supporters in New Orleans were eager to see Planned Parenthood continue, too, Wales says.
- "People reached out to Planned Parenthood through social media, through our online website at the national level, and just said 'we care about healthcare access,'" she says.
What they're saying: "Access to health care is essential, not optional," said local supporter Pamela Steeg, according to a press release.
- "Here in Louisiana, we have a reputation for taking care of each other. I'm thrilled to know what a meaningful difference this will make for people and families here."
Between the lines: Louisiana has consistently had high rates for maternal mortality and sexually transmitted infections, and little access to rural maternal health care.
Yes, but: Not everyone is excited about Planned Parenthood's return.
- Attorney General Liz Murrill has said the organization had "built a business around promoting death."
Zoom in: Wales anticipates Planned Parenthood's core services — STI testing and treatment, and contraception resources — will be the most urgent community needs when the new New Orleans clinic opens.
- And although Planned Parenthood Great Plains does provide abortions in Kansas and Missouri, where the practice is legal, it will not offer those services in any capacity in Louisiana.
What we're watching: Wales declined to share yet where the new clinic will be located.
- For now, the organization is focused on hiring and training staff.