Planned Parenthood executives and Illinois lawmakers have made an exciting announcement for residents of Orland Park and surrounding areas. The group’s facility on South LaGrange Road will be expanded by 1,800 square feet, with the aim of increasing access to sexual and reproductive health treatment for up to 50% more patients annually.
Last year, the Orland Park location served 3,000 individuals. With this expansion, the facility will now include procedure and ultrasound rooms, as well as an education room, according to Planned Parenthood Illinois (PPIL) CEO Jennifer Welch. This expansion comes as a crucial step towards ensuring that all people have equitable access to the healthcare they need and deserve.
“We also know that this health center will serve residents from other states beyond Illinois, because so many states near here are forcing their patients to travel for essential sexual and reproductive healthcare,” Welch stated. This is especially significant as the site is located near the Indiana border and the Tri-State Tollway, making it easily accessible for individuals from neighboring states.
Planned Parenthood’s expansion is not only a win for residents of Orland Park, but also for individuals from other states who may be travelling for essential reproductive and sexual healthcare. In fact, PPIL reported that since the Supreme Court overturned Roe V Wade in 2022, patients have come from 40 different states to access services in Illinois. This makes Illinois the state with the largest increase in out-of-town abortion patients in the country.
This expansion comes at a crucial time as reproductive rights are once again in the spotlight at the Supreme Court. On Tuesday, the Justices will consider whether to limit access to Mifepristone, an abortion pill used in the United States. Currently, the FDA approves the drug for use up to ten weeks of pregnancy and allows for providers to prescribe it via telehealth and mail. However, a group has sued the FDA, claiming that it exceeded its authority by making the drug more accessible.
If the Court restricts mailing of abortion pills, it could require that the drug be provided in person at a doctor’s office, up to seven weeks of pregnancy. This could have severe consequences for individuals who may not have easy access to a doctor’s office or may face financial barriers. It could also have a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities who may already face barriers to healthcare.
It is essential to recognize that Mifepristone is not just used for abortion but also for other medical purposes. The drug has been approved by the FDA for use in medication abortions for over 20 years and has an excellent safety record. It is also used to treat hormonal imbalances, fibroids, and even some cancers. Restricting access to this drug would not only limit reproductive rights but also harm individuals who rely on it for their overall health and well-being.
Therefore, it is crucial to support Planned Parenthood’s expansion and to continue advocating for access to safe and legal reproductive healthcare. This expansion is a significant step towards ensuring that individuals have the resources and support they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. It is also a reminder that reproductive rights should not be a privilege but a fundamental human right.
In the face of potential restrictions on access to Mifepristone, it is more critical than ever to stand with Planned Parenthood and support their efforts to expand and provide essential healthcare services. This expansion of the Orland Park facility is a testament to their commitment to serving the community and fulfilling their mission of providing high-quality, compassionate care.
In conclusion, the expansion of Planned Parenthood’s Orland Park facility is a significant victory for individuals seeking sexual and reproductive health treatment. It not only increases access to essential healthcare services but also serves as a beacon of hope and support for those facing potential restrictions on reproductive rights. Let us continue to stand with Planned Parenthood and advocate for equitable access to reproductive healthcare.
