Planned Parenthood North Central States Celebrates Pride Month

St. Paul, MN— As the region’s leading provider of sexual and reproductive health care, Planned Parenthood North Central States (PPNCS) proudly celebrates the strength and resilience of LGBTQ+ communities during Pride Month and every day. No matter your gender identity, race, income, ZIP code, immigration status, or sexual orientation, Planned Parenthood is committed to delivering health services and education to all people with care and respect.

In a recent poll of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Americans, 15 percent of respondents reported being personally discriminated against when visiting a doctor or health clinic. Transgender and gender non-conforming people must receive the high-quality health care they deserve; these services are especially vital in the Midwest, where this expertise can be scarce. Planned Parenthood providers ensure that each individual feels welcomed and cared for in our health centers and via telehealth. 

“People of all gender identities and sexual orientations deserve the best care possible and we are proud to provide expert, nonjudgmental health care for all-- in our health centers and via telehealth,” said Sarah Stoesz, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States.  “LGBTQ+ people of color, and all LGBTQ+ communities, continue to face unconscionable attacks on their bodily autonomy, access to health care and their very humanity. Planned Parenthood stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our LGBTQ+ communities and against this oppression and discrimination that threaten health and wellbeing for LGTBQ+ people.”

Planned Parenthood welcomes patients of all genders and identities to access our health care services in-person or via telehealth including cancer screening, STI testing and treatment, HIV testing and prevention care, annual exams, and other reproductive and sexual health services. All PPNCS physicians and staff are trained to meet the specific health care needs of transgender and gender non-conforming people in a supportive environment. These services are provided in all 30 health centers and with the addition of telehealth services, our transgender health care visits have increased 235 percent in the last year.  PPNCS health care practices have also been named “Top Performers” by the national Human Rights Campaign for the high-quality health care they provide to LGBTQ+ patients.  

“Transgender hormone therapy is literally lifesaving for me. It makes me who I am, and I was scared when I didn’t think I could afford it anymore. I cannot even comprehend having to stop it. Thanks to Planned Parenthood, I don’t have to,” said Planned Parenthood patient, Cremisius. “I’m committed to making sure Planned Parenthood can be there for all the other people like me who need this kind of care.”

PPNCS provides sexual and reproductive health care to more than 100,000 patients annually across our five-state region, including high-quality, compassionate health care for LGBTQ+ people in our communities. At Planned Parenthood, the doors are open to everyone who needs expert sexual and reproductive health care in a safe and welcoming space.
 

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Planned Parenthood North Central States and its subsidiary organizations provide, promote, and protect reproductive and sexual health through high-quality care, education and advocacy. A member of America’s most trusted reproductive health care provider, our affiliate is proud to support and operate 30 health centers across our five-state region (Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota).  Each year, we provide health care to more than 100,000 people and health education to more than 55,000 people in our region