Planned Parenthood executives and Illinois lawmakers have recently announced an exciting expansion of the group’s Orland Park facility on South LaGrange Road. This expansion, which is projected to increase patients seeking sexual and reproductive health treatment by up to 50% annually, is a crucial step in ensuring that all people have equitable access to the healthcare they need and deserve.
The Orland Park health center, which currently serves approximately 3,000 people annually, will see an additional 1,800 square feet of space added to their facility. This expanded space will include procedure and ultrasound rooms, as well as an education room. It will also enable the center to serve patients from other states beyond Illinois, as many surrounding states are forcing their patients to travel for essential sexual and reproductive healthcare.
This location, near the Indiana border and the Tri-State Tollway, is strategically chosen to provide access to patients from a wide range of areas. In fact, Planned Parenthood of Illinois reports that patients from 40 different states have come to their clinic since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in 2022. This makes Illinois the state with the largest increase in out-of-town abortion patients in the country.
As reproductive rights once again take the spotlight in the Supreme Court this week, the Justices will be considering whether to limit access to Mifepristone, a commonly used abortion pill in the United States. Currently, this drug is approved by the FDA for use up to ten weeks of pregnancy and can be prescribed via telehealth and mail by healthcare providers.
However, a group has sued the FDA, arguing that it has exceeded its authority by making the drug more accessible. This has led to the court potentially restricting the mailing of abortion pills and requiring the drug to be provided in person at a doctor’s office, up to 7 weeks of pregnancy. This ruling could have a significant impact on patients’ access to safe and effective reproductive healthcare.
It is important to note that Mifepristone is not just used for abortion but has multiple medical purposes. It is also used to treat conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, endometriosis, and even some types of cancer. Limiting access to this drug would not only affect those seeking abortions but also those who rely on it for medical treatment.
As we wait for the Supreme Court’s decision, it is important to recognize the vital role that Planned Parenthood plays in providing accessible and comprehensive healthcare to individuals of all backgrounds. This expansion of their Orland Park facility is just one example of their commitment to supporting the health and well-being of all people.
To learn more about Mifepristone and its various uses, you can visit the NBC Chicago website. As we continue to advocate for reproductive rights and access to healthcare, let us celebrate this critical step forward in the expansion of services at the Orland Park Planned Parenthood facility. This is a victory for all individuals who deserve accessible and quality healthcare, regardless of their zip code or state of residence.
