Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin Halts Abortion Services as Funding Cuts Take Effect
MADISON, WI – Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin has suspended all abortion services, becoming the first affiliate in a state where the procedure remains legal to take such action, according to a statement released by the institution’s national office. The move comes after a recent federal provision defunded Planned Parenthood, leading to a severe financial strain. The organization stated, “this is the chaos they wanted to see.”
While at least two self-reliant abortion providers continue to operate in Wisconsin, abortion rights advocates in neighboring Illinois have pledged to support individuals traveling from Wisconsin to access abortion care.
Planned Parenthood estimates that up to 200 clinics nationwide could be forced to close due to the loss of Medicaid funding. Over 60% of the clinics at risk are located in rural or medically underserved areas, and approximately 90% are in states that protect abortion rights.
Several states are attempting to mitigate the impact of the funding cuts. Maine and Washington have allocated state funds to Planned Parenthood affiliates to offset the shortfall, with Maine also providing support to Maine Family Planning. In Kentucky and Oregon, Planned Parenthood affiliates are currently providing services to Medicaid patients without charge, but officials warn this is not a lasting long-term solution.
Sara Kennedy, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Columbia willamette in Oregon, stated the affiliate anticipates losing upwards of $12 million in Medicaid revenue over the next year, noting that prior to the funding cuts, roughly 70% of their patients utilized Medicaid.”Every day we are seeing hundreds to thousands of Medicaid patients and we are not getting reimbursed for any of those services. so that is unsustainable for any business,” Kennedy said. “If the state doesn’t step in urgently to be able to support and protect reproductive healthcare access, there will be no other choice except for us to start charging patients.”
The closures come amid existing financial challenges for many clinics. at least 20 planned Parenthood clinics across seven states have already closed or announced plans to close this year.
