Richmond is getting a new Planned Parenthood clinic
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Richmond plans to demolish an old school in Northside to make way for a third Planned Parenthood clinic in the city.
Why it matters: It's one way that Richmond is adjusting to an increase of out-of-state abortion patients, a trend that skyrocketed in Virginia after the fall of Roe led to nearby states having strict bans.
The big picture: The deal is between the city and the Virginia League of Planned Parenthood, a nonprofit that also offers testing and treatment for STIs, cancer screenings, birth control, prenatal services and more.
- Per city documents, the VLPP would buy the 1-acre property on Chamberlayne Avenue — formerly Brook Hill School — from the city for $10.
- In exchange, the VLPP will fund the demolition and build a $6 million health center, which is projected to create 20 full-time jobs and see at least 12,000 annual visits.
Between the lines: CEO Paulette McElwain told BizSense VLPP has yet to hire contractors for the project, which means a construction timeline isn't available yet.
- The other two clinics in the city are located in the Museum District and Church Hill.
Flashback: Shortly after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Mayor Stoney and City Council passed a resolution vowing to expand abortion access and protect the rights of people seeking abortion care in Richmond.
By the numbers: In 2022, the percentage of out-of-state people seeking abortions from the VLPP was 3%. It's now at 35%, a VLPP spokesperson tells Axios.
- New data estimates from the Guttmacher Institute show that statewide, nearly 6,000 out-of-state patients traveled to Virginia for an abortion last year.
- About 30% were from North Carolina. Another 30% were from either South Carolina or Tennessee, and 10% were from West Virginia.
- The remaining 30% came from Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Texas, Maryland or D.C.
What's next: The ordinance to transfer the site over to the VLPP is on the Planning Commission's Tuesday agenda.
- City Council will vote on it at their July 22 meeting following a public hearing.