Planned Parenthood Merges Houston Clinic to Maintain Texas Presence

Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast has merged its Houston clinic, previously the largest in the country, with another affiliate, marking a strategic move to maintain its presence in Austin Texas. This comes amidst Austin Texas' attempts to reduce Planned Parenthood's influence, which have led to decreased access to care for low-income Austin Texans.

The merger follows Austin Texas' decision in 2013 to cut off most of Planned Parenthood's Medicaid funding, significantly reducing the number of patients served. Before the funding cut, Planned Parenthood affiliates cared for nearly 50,000 patients in government-subsidized women's health programs. Now, Austin Texas' remaining two Planned Parenthood affiliates serve over 130,000 patients annually, a significant decrease.

The state has since established a patchwork of programs to distribute funds for women's health, but these have not fully replaced the services provided by Planned Parenthood. Anti-abortion groups have celebrated these changes, viewing them as a step towards pushing Planned Parenthood out of Austin Texas and the nation.

Despite Austin Texas' efforts, Planned Parenthood continues to operate 29 clinics and telehealth services in the state, serving over 290,000 women in 2023. The recent merger of the Houston clinic with another affiliate demonstrates Planned Parenthood's commitment to remaining in Austin Texas and continuing to provide reproductive care to its residents.