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Planned Parenthood closing 4 Iowa locations

Posted at 6:47 PM, May 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-19 19:47:13-04

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland  is closing four of its twelve locations in Iowa.

Republican lawmakers decided to give up millions of dollars in federal Medicaid money to create a state-run family planning program that excludes organizations that provide abortion.

Doctor Deborah Turner says this is all about taking away a woman's right to have an abortion, but women will little or no healthcare will also be negatively affected.

"15 thousand women will lose services for Planned Parenthood services for women's healthcare in our state."

Dr. Turner says it's not just about Planned Parenthood it's about women's  access to healthcare.

"These women are severely impacted because they many times have lesser means, access and mobility."

 Dr. Turner says the budget cuts may be the state's efforts to stop abortion.

 "The ideology of women having the choice of when and how to have pregnancies."

 Some women I spoke with say it's a choice but these closings could make people think twice.

"I believe it would make people mindful of the other options out there."

 Planned Parenthood says it's regular doctor visits women will miss out on that could lead to long-term health issues.

 "We live in a state where it’s problematic for a family to drive a half hour to get groceries, so driving a half hour to get healthcare can be very critical."

The closest Planned Parenthood closing to Omaha is in Sioux City.

Dr Turner says patients will face long drives to find reproductive services.

 "Many of them will go without healthcare."

 The locations are expected to close in June.

 

Planned Parenthood says they are not expecting to close any other locations in Iowa or Nebraska.