New Clinic Fills Health Care Need

A new Planned Parenthood health center opening in Aurora, IL, in September will provide much-needed services to women and families at a time when health care is on the minds of most Americans. This week, the U.S. census made headlines around the country, when it revealed the shocking statistic that 47 million Americans are uninsured.

Aurora is a growing city that reflects the health care needs of the country and the state. Consider

• Illinois ranked seventh-highest in 2005 for chlamydia rates and 11th-highest for gonorrhea, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• The Guttmacher Institute reports that among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, Illinois ranks 46th in the availability of contraceptive services and supplies.
• Only six states have higher high school dropout rates, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Despite the obvious need for high-quality health care and overwhelming community support, the center has been besieged by vocal anti-choice hardliners. On August 25, opponents of abortion rights picketed near the site of the clinic as part of a “40-day prayer vigil” to protest the opening.

“Aurora is the second-largest city in Illinois and in dire need of medical services,” said Steve Trombley, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood/Chicago Area.  “And this facility will provide a broad range of services, including pregnancy testing, birth control options, emergency contraception, gynecological services, Pap tests, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, surgical and medication abortion services, and adoption referrals.

“Last year, our 10 health centers provided care to 54,000 women, men, and teens, and the bottom line is, these clients need our services,” Trombley said.

According to Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards, abortion represents three percent of Planned Parenthood services.  “While this is a very important health care service to women,” Richards says, “97 percent of our services are in the area of prevention, such as providing affordable birth control and medically accurate sex education.

“These protesters in Aurora are out of step with the majority of Americans, who believe that women should be able to access health care without fear of violence, harassment, or intimidation. Harassment and intimidation don’t help prevent unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections — information and health care do.”