On World Vasectomy Day, Planned Parenthood Great Plains Announces Expanded Free and Reduced Care and Appointment Availability
For Immediate Release: Nov. 17, 2023
On World Vasectomy Day, which falls every third Friday in November, Planned Parenthood Great Plains (PPGP) is announcing expanded free and reduced procedures and appointment availability at its Tulsa and Oklahoma City health centers. Vasectomies are a regular service offered at both clinics, but through generous donations, PPGP is now able to provide more care to patients who qualify at low to no cost.
PPGP first launched its vasectomy services earlier this year with a free two-day clinic at its Tulsa health center. With substantial support from the Argosy Foundation, appointments filled up within a matter of hours. As demand persisted, PPGP held another free two-day clinic at its Oklahoma City health center last month with appointments again filling up as soon as they were posted.
"While today might be World Vasectomy Day, at PPGP we’re treating every day that way,” said Emily Wales, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Great Plains. “At a time when people are worried about the future of sexual and reproductive rights, it’s critical we offer our patients the complete range of contraceptive choices with the ability and peace of mind to plan for the long term. We’re thrilled to provide this care to the community, while alleviating the cost burden for many. It’s been clear from the outpouring of requests and growing waitlist that Oklahomans are searching for a provider they can trust, and we are happy to be a place for people to turn for expert vasectomy care.”
Greater than 99% effective rate, a vasectomy is a permanent, non-reversible form of contraception. The simple surgery is done via an outpatient procedure at either the Tulsa or Oklahoma City location. Patients will consult with the provider ahead of time.
“Offering full spectrum reproductive and sexual health care means providing people with the means to be safe and healthy while living free to love however and whomever they choose within the bounds of consent,” said Dr. Joshua Yap, physician and director of Vasectomy Care, Planned Parenthood Great Plains. “Creating more access to this important family planning option in Oklahoma means we can help anyone who has testes choose this means of contraceptive without causing an unintended pregnancy.”
PPGP has four health centers across Oklahoma, opening its most recent clinic a year ago in Lawton. The expansion into Southwest Oklahoma has brought greater reproductive health care much closer to home for patients in a part of the state where there is an identified need for sexual health. The clinic sees patients for a wide range of services including birth control, STI and HIV testing and treatment, emergency contraception (morning-after pill), pregnancy testing and services, gender-affirming care, and general wellness care.
Financial assistance will be determined based on individual patient needs. Sooner Care and most forms of private insurance accepted. To schedule a vasectomy consultation and appointment or for all other care, visit ppgreatplains.org or call 1-800-230-PLAN.