Minneapolis — Planned Parenthood North Central States (PPNCS) will close four Minnesota health centers as it deals with federal budget cuts.
According to the healthcare provider, the closures resulted in the layoff of 66 employees, while 37 others have received offers of reassignment over the next year.
“My heart hurts as we announce the closure of health centers and the departure of trusted and talented colleagues, but our patients will always come first,” said Ruth Richardson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, in a statement.
In addition to the four health centers closing in Minnesota, four more will close in Iowa. In total, the affected centers include:
- Alexandria Health Center – Alexandria, Minnesota
- Apple Valley Health Center – Apple Valley, Minnesota
- Bemidji Health Center – Bemidji, Minnesota
- Richfield Health Center – Richfield, Minnesota
- Ames Health Center – Ames, Iowa
- Cedar Rapids Health Center – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Sioux City Health Center – Sioux City, Iowa
- Urbandale Health Center – Urbandale, Iowa
Planned Parenthood justified its decision in a statement, citing multiple funding freezes and cuts.
“In April, Planned Parenthood North Central States was notified of a $2.8M freeze from Title X in Minnesota, the nation’s only federal program dedicated to providing affordable birth control and other reproductive health care to people no matter the person’s income or insurance status,” according to a statement.
Furthermore, the organization stated that the reconciliation package, which is currently being considered by Congress, would further defund it and cut Medicaid, on which 30% of its patients rely.
