Planned Parenthood expanding to offer abortions in Milwaukee

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- In the midst of the Trump administration’s new regulation, Planned Parenthood will continue its services by expanding to a new facility in Milwaukee.

The Trump administration has issued new rules on contraceptives. The rule gives employers more leeway to withhold birth control coverage on religious or moral grounds.

Despite Republican efforts to shut down the availability of abortions in the state, and with this contraceptive regulation, Planned Parenthood believes it’s perfect timing to allow them to better serve more people.

Come next week, the group’s new facility will open its doors in the Third Ward, becoming the first abortion center to have been opened in more than a decade.

“This project reflects people’s excitement and support,” says Tanya Atkinson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood in Wisconsin. “People really understand the need to expand access to healthcare.”

In Milwaukee alone, the organization serves more than 30,000 people each year for things like birth control, cancer screenings, and other health services.

“We do see women from the across the state of Wisconsin and in some cases from other states,” says Atkinson.

The new facility is fully funded by donors.

Atkinson says the expansion was much needed to meet the city’s growing demands.

Even the city’s health department applauded the new effort.

 “The need for reproductive health care in Milwaukee is great. Ina community where rates of sexually transmitted infections remain among the highest in the nation and where access to quality family planning services is limited,” says Bevan Baker, Commissioner of Health.

When it comes to the Trump administration’s new regulation, Atkinson had this to say, “We will be here for people who need us, and so if people need access to birth control, we will be here.”

According to Atkinson, about 9 in 10 women rely on birth control at some point in their lives.

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