Roe v. Wade, 50 Years Later: Planned Parenthood Releases Impact Report on the Patient Surge, Groundbreaking Policies, and Response in the Year Roe was Overturned

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade (January 22), Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri (PPSLRSWMO) and Advocates of PPSLRSWMO are mourning the loss of abortion rights but celebrating one year of the rebuilding of reproductive freedom. This anniversary marks the launch of our work to re-imagine Roe. The Re-imagining Roe Report details the impact of bold and innovative initiatives launched one year ago that create meaningful abortion access in the region including a first-of-its-kind Regional Logistics Center (RLC), a mobile abortion clinic, and monumental legislation that protects patients and providers.

Statement from Yamelsie Rodríguez, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri (PPSLRSWMO) and Advocates of PPSLRSWMO:

“The work to re-imagine Roe recognizes that the legal right was never enough, and meaningful access requires a bold and innovative approach to patient care. With this commitment, our organizations are proud to mark this milestone — one year of navigating patients, advocating for new policies, and forging an uncharted path in a post-Roe era.”

Immediately following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, PPSLRSWMO saw a surge in patients coming from outside the bi-state (MO and IL) area — many seeking care later in pregnancy due to increased hurdles like travel, child care, and taking time off work. Twelve states — many bordering Illinois — have abortion bans in place. Since opening in January 2022, the RLC has provided nearly half a million dollars in travel and lodging to nearly 5,000 patients from across the midwest and south. Eighty-five percent of costs were incurred post-Dobbs. More than 30 abortion funds across the country provided nearly two million dollars of support for PPSLRSWMO and Hope Clinic abortion patients.

PPSLRSWMO and Advocates of PPSLRSWMO continue to collaborate with abortion funds and advocates that have been doing this work for years to re-imagine how patients access care.

Click to read the full report.

Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri has been the leading provider, educator, and protector of reproductive health care in St. Louis and Southwest Missouri for over 90 years. Patients can make appointments online or by phone at 1-800-230-PLAN(7526).

Advocates of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that engages in education, lobbying, and organizing activities. Advocates works on public policy to protect and advance access to sexual and reproductive health care.