Planned Parenthood of Illinois to Close Four Clinics, Shift Focus to Telehealth

Planned Parenthood of Illinois is closing four clinics, cutting staff and beefing up its telehealth care as the organization continues to deal with financial issues.

Reasons Behind the Closures

The organization is facing a financial shortfall due to rising health care costs, more patients needing financial help, and an uncertain landscape under the new presidential administration, Planned Parenthood of Illinois said in a news release.

Impact on Staff and Patients

Administrative staff will be cut with the clinic closures, but Planned Parenthood did not say how many jobs will be lost. Where possible, staff at those clinics will be offered jobs at other health centers or with the telehealth services.

Surge in Patients from Out of State

Part of the organization’s financial strain is because Illinois has seen the highest volume of out-of-state patients in the years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Planned Parenthood of Illinois has seen a 47% increase in overall abortion care patients, and a quarter of those patients are from out of the state.

Telehealth Expansion

Planned Parenthood is focusing on telehealth care, including medication abortions through its PPDirect app, which offers birth control, UTI treatment, at-home STI testing, and emergency contraception. Starting next month, patients can receive medication abortions via the app.

Partnership with Hey Jane

Planned Parenthood has been expanding access to medication abortion, including a recent partnership with Hey Jane, a virtual abortion provider, to help alleviate the burden on strained clinics.

Reassurance from Chicago Abortion Fund

Megan Jeyifo, executive director of the Chicago Abortion Fund, said while it’s alarming to see clinics close, the state’s network of abortion providers is strong and still suited to meet patients’ needs.

Conclusion

Planned Parenthood of Illinois is working to adapt to the changing healthcare landscape, prioritizing telehealth care and medication abortions while reducing its physical footprint. The organization remains committed to providing access to reproductive health care services for those in need.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many clinics are closing?
  Four clinics in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood and Ottawa, Decatur, and Bloomington are closing.
• How many jobs will be lost?
  The exact number of jobs to be lost is unknown, but staff will be offered positions at other health centers or with the telehealth services where possible.
• Why are the clinics closing?
  The clinics are closing due to financial strain caused by rising health care costs, more patients needing financial help, and an uncertain landscape under the new presidential administration.
• What services will be affected?
  The clinics provided medication abortions, but not procedural abortion care. The closure will not impact the overall availability of abortion services in the state.