Even Where Abortion Is Still Legal, Many Brick-and-Mortar Clinics Are Closing
At least 17 clinics closed last year in states where abortion remains legal, and another 17 have closed in just the first five months of this year, according to data gathered by ineedana.com. This includes states that have become abortion destinations, like Illinois, and those where voters have enshrined broad reproductive rights into the state constitution, like Michigan. Experts say the closures indicate that financial and operational challenges, rather than future legal bans, may be the biggest threats to abortion access in states whose laws still protect it.
The Situation in Michigan
The Planned Parenthood-Marquette Health Center closed in April, along with three other health centers in Michigan. Now, patients will need to drive nearly five hours to the next-closest Planned Parenthood clinic. Planned Parenthood of Michigan is giving up on four of its health centers in the state, citing financial challenges. That includes Marquette, the only clinic that provided abortion in the vast, sparsely populated Upper Peninsula. For the roughly 1,100 patients who visit the clinic each year for anything from cancer screenings to contraceptive implants, the next-closest Planned Parenthood will now be a nearly five-hour drive south across the Mackinac Bridge.
Challenges to Providing Care
“It’s gotten more expensive to provide care, it’s gotten more dangerous to provide care, and it’s just gotten, frankly, harder to provide care,” said Erin Grant, a co-executive director of the Abortion Care Network. Providers are expected to be in the clinic and then on the statehouse steps, while also trying to find somebody who will fix the roof or paint the walls who’s not going to insert their opinion about health care rights. Furthermore, Planned Parenthood of Michigan isn’t cutting executive pay, even as it reduces staff by 10% and shuts down brick-and-mortar clinics in areas already facing health care shortages.
Data on Clinic Closures and Available Services
The following table summarizes the recent data regarding clinic closures and the specific medical services still available in remaining Michigan facilities:
| Category | Information and Statistics |
|---|---|
| Clinic Closures (Last Year) | At least 17 clinics in states where abortion is legal. |
| Clinic Closures (Jan-May Current Year) | 17 additional clinics closed. |
| Surgical Abortion Limit | Up to 15 weeks and 6 days gestation at Scotsdale Women's Center. |
| Abortion Pill (In-Clinic) | Until 11 weeks 0 days gestation. |
| Abortion Pills by Mail | Until 11 weeks gestation via FedEx 2-day express shipping. |
Remaining Providers: Summit and Scotsdale Women’s Centers
Summit Women’s Center
Summit Women’s Center became a leader in women’s healthcare in 1973 and was one of the first clinics in the state of Michigan to offer abortions. They provide several essential services:
- Abortions up to 24 weeks.
- Confidential pregnancy options and birth control counseling.
- Complete contraception education and services.
- Detection and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
- Ultrasound.
- Assistance for minors needing judicial bypass.
Scotsdale Women's Center
Our abortion clinic has served Northwest Detroit and the surrounding communities since 1976, celebrating and supporting personal choice for over 40 years. We offer surgical abortion, the abortion pill in-clinic, and abortion pills by mail. While we still have access to financial aid, please be aware that funding for abortions has been cut dramatically nationwide. Our caring staff is only a phone call away to provide compassionate, knowledgeable advice and explain all of your options.
Patient Experience
Patients have described their experiences as positive, noting that "the care staff made me feel welcome and very cared for." Others mentioned that the staff were very friendly and made you feel welcomed, answering any questions. One patient noted, "The staff is welcoming and the doctor was truly understanding and extremely kind."