Planned Parenthood opening new health clinic in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE -- Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (PPWI) announced Friday, October 6th the construction of a new, state-of-the-art, health center in Milwaukee.
According to a news release from PPWI, the new center was made possible by the support of individuals throughout Wisconsin, and will be located at 435 South Water Street.
“At Planned Parenthood, we believe part of having a healthy community is making sure everybody has access to the health care they need. It’s becoming more difficult for women in Wisconsin to obtain this needed care,” said Tanya Atkinson, president and CEO of PPWI. “Planned Parenthood is proud to be enhancing health care access in an inclusive space reflective of the dignity our patients deserve.”
The news release says one in five women trusts Planned Parenthood for preventive health care like cancer screenings, birth control, and STD testing and treatment. Planned Parenthood will build on that trust by being there for a woman no matter what her circumstances and health care needs.
With only three health centers in Wisconsin providing abortion services, PPWI says they secure access to that care in Milwaukee to all women in need. In enhancing that health care access, PPWI is also improving and developing a previously vacant manufacturing site in Milwaukee’s Harbor District.
The news release stats, "Thanks to the volunteer leadership of Edie Brengel Radtke, Lynde Uihlein, and Marianne Lubar, individuals across Wisconsin have stepped up to secure the future availability of Planned Parenthood’s services, including the new health care facility."
“Deciding to start a family, delay becoming a parent, or ending a pregnancy are some of the most personal decisions a woman could make. At Planned Parenthood, we create the space for a woman to make these important decisions free of judgement and in consultation with her family, faith and medical provider,” said Atkinson.
Statement from Commissioner of Health Bevan Baker on the new Planned Parenthood opening:
“The City of Milwaukee Health Department applauds Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin for continuing its mission to open access to care for those in need of comprehensive reproductive health services.”
“As a valued community health partner, Planned Parenthood works every day to meet the needs of patients and enhance health outcomes for people right here in Milwaukee and across the state.”
“The need for reproductive health care in Milwaukee is great. In a community where rates of sexually transmitted infections remain among the highest in the nation and where access to quality family planning services is limited – we need more doors opened for men and women to get high-quality, affordable health services.”
Senator LaTonya Johnson released the following statement on the new clinic:
“When women can’t get the health care that they need, when they need it, families lose sisters, mothers, daughters, nieces, and grandmothers to diseases like breast and cervical cancer that are treatable if detected early.”
“Planned Parenthood is an essential part of our community’s health care system--ensuring that women have access to a health center that provides them with the full range of reproductive health care options when they need them.”
“I am encouraged by today’s announcement of a new Planned Parenthood clinic in Milwaukee—where they have served both men, and women like me, for 80 years. Before being elected to the State Assembly, I didn’t have health insurance, and Planned Parenthood was a lifeline for me when I had nowhere else to go. In the face of unrelenting attacks from abortion-obsessed Republican politicians, Planned Parenthood remains unintimidated in carrying out their mission to provide essential health care to the tens of thousands of Wisconsinites who rely on their services each year.
“I will always be proud to say that I am a Planned Parenthood patient, and I am proud to stand with them today, as they continue to invest in the health and safety of my community.”
Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) released the following statement on the clinic:
“Despite the continued efforts from Republican leaders to dismantle access to vital healthcare services, it is heartening to see community members rally behind an organization that has been a trusted healthcare provider for the past 80 years. This new state-of-the-art facility will ensure that hardworking women, men and families can continue to receive high quality and compassionate care.”