Planned Parenthood North Central States announced that it will close four of its six clinics in Iowa and four in Minnesota due to a variety of financial pressures, including a freeze on federal funds, proposed budget cuts in Congress, and state restrictions on abortion access. In Iowa, the closures include the only facility providing abortion services in Ames, as well as clinics in Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, and Urbandale. In Minnesota, the affected clinics are located in Apple Valley, Richfield (which also provides abortions), Alexandria, and Bemidji.
The organization plans to lay off 66 employees and relocate 37 others. Despite these challenges, Planned Parenthood intends to continue investing in telemedicine, currently serving 20,000 patients annually through virtual services. Ruth Richardson, CEO of the affiliate, remarked on the unsustainability of their infrastructure amid ongoing attacks.
Following the closures, Planned Parenthood will retain 15 clinics, six of which will offer abortion services—five in Minnesota and one in Omaha, Nebraska. A significant financial blow came from the Trump administration, which froze $2.8 million in funds intended for birth control and health services in Minnesota. Although federal funds are not used for abortions, opponents argue that any financial support aids the organization in providing these services.
Additional pressures stem from proposed cuts to Medicaid and legislation in Iowa banning most abortions after six weeks, which has significantly limited abortion access in the state. The recent tightening of abortion laws has resulted in a sharp decline in procedures, pushing patients to seek care in neighboring states. Post-closure, Planned Parenthood will operate 10 clinics in Minnesota, two in Iowa, two in Nebraska, and one in South Dakota, with no presence in North Dakota.
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