Planned Parenthood Wisconsin Refers Abortion Patients to Other States After Closures
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin has started referring patients seeking abortions to clinics in Illinois and other states. This comes after the organization stopped providing abortions in Wisconsin due to a new budget law under President Trump. The law withholds Medicaid payments for any health services provided by organizations offering abortions.
Over 40 Planned Parenthood health centers have closed since the start of 2025, making it increasingly difficult for people to access abortions even in states where it's legal. The closures have led to an increase in patients seeking abortions in other states, including Illinois.
Telehealth abortions, where patients receive a prescription from a medical professional and medication through the mail, have become more common due to accessibility challenges. However, advocates warn that these services are precarious and could be targeted by legal challenges or changes in policy. US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., along with FDA chief Marty Makary, has announced a review of the abortion medication mifepristone's safety and efficacy, which could impact these services.
Planned Parenthood's actions and the potential review of mifepristone's safety and efficacy highlight the ongoing challenges in accessing abortion services in the United States. While telehealth abortions have provided some accessibility, their future remains uncertain.
