The Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis on June 24, 2022 (Tessa Weinberg/Missouri Independent).
Three Planned Parenthood clinics in eastern and southern Missouri will shut their doors next month, though the organization’s leaders insist the moves will ultimately expand access to reproductive health care.
As part of the consolidation effort, Planned Parenthood Great Rivers will be expanding telehealth services and hours at its remaining St. Louis clinics.
The moves come as the state has successfully implemented legislation cutting Planned Parenthood clinics off from Medicaid funding, though the organization’s leadership says the closures are not related to the new law.
They are also taking place as Missourians are set to vote on whether to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, a decision that could radically expand access to reproductive health care around the state.
Failed GOP attempt to keep abortion off Missouri ballot could foreshadow fight to come
On Nov. 1, the Florissant health center in North St. Louis County and the South Grand Health Center just south of downtown St. Louis will close.