Statement in Response to Planned Parenthood continuing to provide essential procedures, including surgical abortion care

Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio and Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region

For Immediate Release: Saturday, March 21, 2020

Contact: Media Inquiries at [email protected]

Statement in Response to Planned Parenthood continuing to provide essential procedures, including surgical abortion care

COLUMBUS — In Ohio, Planned Parenthood responds to questions about continuing to offer essential health care, including surgical abortion:

Statement from Iris E. Harvey and Kersha Deibel, Presidents and CEOs of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio and Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region:

“Planned Parenthood’s top priority is ensuring that every person can continue accessing essential health care, including abortion. We know your health care can’t wait. Abortion is an essential, time-sensitive medical procedure, as medical experts like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology have recognized.

We are complying with the Ohio Department of Health’s order regarding personal protective equipment, which requires hospitals and surgical facilities to stop providing non-essential surgeries and procedures and take other steps to reduce the use of equipment in short supply. PPSWO’s attorney immediately responded to Ohio Attorney General Yost’s letter, assuring him that PPSWO was complying with Director Acton’s order. Under that order, Planned Parenthood can still continue providing essential procedures, including surgical abortion, and our health centers continue to offer other health care services that our patients depend on. Our doors remain open for this care.

As Ohioans do their part to keep each other healthy during this COVID-19 pandemic, Planned Parenthood is committed to working with public health leaders to serve the community. Every health care provider has a role to play, and we are doing our part to conserve needed resources and to protect the health and safety of our patients and staff. Together, we’ll meet this challenge, no matter what.”

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Serving 20 counties in southwestern Ohio and three in northern Kentucky, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio strengthens the community by providing access to high-quality health care and education that empower people to make informed private decisions about their reproductive lives and sexual health. Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region is an affiliate of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

About Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio: The mission of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio is to protect, promote, and provide empowered health care for generations of people across Ohio. PPGOH serves approximately 63,000 patients annually throughout Ohio including metropolitan areas in Toledo, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Mansfield, Cleveland, Columbus, and Athens. www.ppgoh.org