Planned Parenthood closes last Louisiana clinics amid political, financial pressures

Planned Parenthood has closed its two clinics in Louisiana after more than 40 years, citing relentless political and financial pressures, especially stemming from Medicaid funding cuts in President Donald Trump's tax and spending bill. These closures leave Louisiana as one of the few states without any Planned Parenthood locations, potentially worsening already critical reproductive health care challenges in the state, which has high maternal mortality rates and significant shortages of OB-GYN providers. Despite not providing abortion services in Louisiana, the clinics offered vital health care services to nearly 11,000 patients last year, including cancer screenings, contraception, and STI testing. The closures have elicited mixed reactions: Planned Parenthood leadership decries the political assaults undermining health infrastructure, while Louisiana officials celebrate the closures as victories for life. Patients express concern about longer wait times and travel distances to alternative providers, highlighting the impact on access to timely care. Critics argue that the organization's departure is primarily due to the abortion ban and loss of abortion-related revenue, despite Planned Parenthood's claims of offering broader reproductive health services.