In recent weeks, a number of mainstream media outlets have reported on Planned Parenthood closures in various parts of the country. According to tallies circulated by various pro-lifers, it appears that since the beginning of the calendar year, 33 Planned Parenthood facilities have announced that they will close their doors. These Planned Parenthood closures are in a diverse set of states. In particular, Planned Parenthood has announced the closures of six facilities in California, four in Michigan, and three in Texas — including their mega-center in Houston.
It should be noted that Planned Parenthood has been closing facilities for a number of years. In their 2009-2010 annual report, Planned Parenthood stated they had 840 health centers. That number fell to 600 facilities according to their 2022-2023 annual report. Of course, the recent closures are being facilitated by the recently signed federal budget that prohibits Planned Parenthood from receiving federal taxpayer dollars. Planned Parenthood receives around 500 million dollars from the federal government — representing about 25 percent of its revenue. As such, it should come as no surprise that Planned Parenthood is responding to the federal funding cutoff by closing some of its facilities.
Some people, including some pro-lifers, have downplayed the impact of these Planned Parenthood closures. That is because fewer women are obtaining abortions in abortion facilities and more women are obtaining abortions via telehealth. The recent report issued by the Society of Family Planning indicates that approximately 25 percent of all abortions are done by telehealth. However, I would argue that these closures are still a positive development for pro-lifers. Even Planned Parenthood facilities that do not perform abortions still do abortion referrals. Furthermore, when a Planned Parenthood closes, fewer people work for the abortion industry. Finally, Planned Parenthood’s contraception and sex education programs create a more promiscuous culture that results in more abortions.
Overall, whenever a Planned Parenthood facility closes, it should be seen as a win for the pro-life movement.