Illinois Planned Parenthood sees 54% increase in abortion patients since Dobbs
Luke Gentile
Video Embed
Planned Parenthood of Illinois has seen a 54% increase in the number of patients seeking abortion in the year after the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
“PPIL data also show that more patients than ever are coming to one of our health centers at a higher gestational age that requires a procedural abortion. Abortions over 16 weeks gestational age now makes up 13% of all procedural abortions, compared to 8% pre-Dobbs decision,” a Monday release from Planned Parenthood read.
DENVER NUGGETS WIN FIRST NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEHIND HISTORIC NIKOLA JOKIC PERFORMANCE
“The number of patients needing financial assistance or travel support to get care at PPIL has more than doubled in the year since Dobbs.”
Illinois has acted as a refuge for pro-abortion rights advocates in the Midwest, and, in the past year, PPIL has treated patients from 34 different states, seen out-of-state patients grow to roughly 25%, and provided nearly $1.5 million in financial support to abortion patients, according to the release.
“The Supreme Court stripped away a fundamental right, causing devastating consequences for our patients, especially those forced to travel for care,” Jennifer Welch, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois, said.
“People should have the freedom to control their own body without political or corporate interference. This includes access to all abortion options and gender-affirming care, which is targeted by the same anti-abortion organizations and legislators. I am proud of the work PPIL does to meet patients’ needs and continue to fight to expand access to care.”
While Welch and the PPIL are proud of their work to provide abortions to a wider range of women, anti-abortion activists also have cause to celebrate.
A Monday report analyzing the business of abortion in the year following the overturning of Roe stated that Planned Parenthood would be laying off around 15% of its total staff.
The letting go of workers nationwide comes as states around the country continue to pass anti-abortion laws, according to the report, and Planned Parenthood is expected to lose dozens of staff members.
Layoffs are expected to go into effect July 7, according to the report.
“We believe this strategic decision is essential to meet the current moment for Planned Parenthood patients and the future of reproductive health and rights. But this means we will be saying goodbye to some fierce and talented warriors on our staff who have fought tirelessly and bravely to serve our mission,” Planned Parenthood President Alexis McGill Johnson said in a statement, the report noted.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“We don’t take this moment lightly. We deeply value the national office staff who have shown up and shown out for us in the darkest of times over the last months and years.”
Johnson maintains the layoffs are not a result of financial problems.