ORLAND PARK, IL — Planned Parenthood Illinois has expanded its Orland Park location, in response to the increased demand for care across Illinois and neighboring states, officials and lawmakers said Monday.
The 1,800-square-foot expansion at 14470 S. LaGrange Rd. is projected to increase sexual and reproductive care by 50 percent annually.
"Expanding the Orland Park health center is a crucial step to ensure that all people have equitable access to health care that they need, and they deserve," said President and CEO of PPIL, Jennifer Welch during a press conference Monday.
The Orland Park Health Center expansion includes four examination rooms, state-of-the-art equipment including ultrasound machines, an education room, lab, and doubled waiting room space.
"Planned Parenthood of Illinois is here to serve our communities," Welch said in a press release. "Today marks another victory for health equity as we continue to expand and serve our communities by increasing access to essential sexual and reproductive care, including abortion and gender-affirming care.
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"As sexual and reproductive health is under attack, it is important to remember that abortion and gender-affirming care remain safe and legal in the state of Illinois and that we will continue to provide care to patients regardless of their zip code."
Last year, the Orland Park Health Center served 3,000 patients. The expansion allows PPIL to support more patients in Orland Park and surrounding communities, as well as those traveling from other states.
"When people's access to health care is under attack around the country, it’s reassuring to see Planned Parenthood expanding access for our area to deliver a welcoming environment for all who need it," said State Senator Bill Cunningham. "Illinois is a state where health care rights will continue to be protected, and investments like these are necessary to keep it that way."
Welch said the facility welcomes patients from other states.
"We also know that this health center will serve residents from other states beyond Illinois," Welch said, "because so many states near us are forcing their patients to travel for essential sexual and reproductive health care."
The Orland Park Health Center offers comprehensive reproductive health care services such as cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing and treatment, gender-affirming health care, HIV testing and treatment, and medication abortion.
Illinois Planned Parenthood locations have had patients come from 40 different states since the Supreme Court overturned Roe V Wade in 2022, representing the largest increase in out-of-state abortion patients across Planned Parenthood, NBC reports.
"This opening reflects our shared commitment to expanding health care access and ensuring every individual receives the quality care they deserve," said State Representative Mary Gill. "Our community is going to benefit greatly from this health center, and I appreciate the investment and advocacy from Planned Parenthood of Illinois to make it a reality."
For complete information and locations, visit PPIL.org.