Planned Parenthood of Carthage has received state approval to open a fertility clinic.
The State Department of Health granted the license after a long, contentious hearing process.
Elizabeth Bordon, Planned Parenthood’s executive director, applauded the decision.
“This clinic will allow us to address more of women’s health care needs,” Bordon said. “It will also address the needs of men.”
The clinic will offer fertility testing and counseling, in-vitro fertilization, gender reassignment programs, and gamete donor services.
The clinic will begin operation in May.
In addition to its traditional education and pregnancy prevention services, Planned Parenthood of Carthage already offers genetic testing and abortion services. Bordon said the new clinic will fit in with the spectrum of services Planned Parenthood provides.
“We want to make sure that our clients get the babies they want when they want them,“ Bordon said. “When it comes to sexuality, we want to be a full-service organization.”
The announcement was greeted with dismay by local prolifers who had battled approval of the clinic.
“Full-service? They want to be there to start the baby, then kill it if it’s not the right kind,” said Dr. Mary Breeder, coordinator of the Carthage Coalition for Life. “It just goes back to Planned Parenthood’s eugenics roots.”
Bordon dismissed Breeder’s charges.
“We don’t believe in imposing our beliefs on women,” Bordon said. “We are working hard to pass laws that will keep the anti-choice crowd in check.”
As for rumors that Planned Parenthood also planned to add an adult bookstore, an escort service, and a LGBT+ nightclub and bar to its outreach efforts, Bordon declined to comment.
Planned Parenthood spokesperson Susan Smith later said, “Planned Parenthood has no plans to operate such businesses.”
When asked about three such businesses currently housed in Planned Parenthood’s former main offices, Smith said, “Those businesses simply lease space owned by Planned Parenthood of Carthage. They are separately incorporated.”
The Lusty Living Bookstore, Ecstatic Escort Service, the La Cage Cabaret are all owned by Bordon’s long-time partner, Alene Wornos. She has been operating the businesses out of Planned Parenthood's former offices on Main Street since the organization moved into the multi-million dollar complex it built on Sanger Road.
Pax et bonum
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