Planned Parenthood opening new health center in Milwaukee

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin hosts wine and dine fundraiser at Indulge

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is opening a new, state-of-the-art, conveniently located health center in Milwaukee.

The construction of the center was made possible to the financial support of many individuals throughout Wisconsin, according to a news release from the group.

“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,” Tanya Atkinson, president and CEO of PPWI, stated in a news release.

She added, “Planned Parenthood is proud to be enhancing health care access in an inclusive space reflective of the dignity our patients deserve.”

With only three health centers in Wisconsin providing abortion services, Planned Parenthood said it is securing access to that care in Milwaukee to all women in need.

PPWI said it is improving and developing a previously vacant manufacturing site in Milwaukee’s Harbor District.

The organization cited the volunteer leadership of Edie Brengel Radtke, Lynde Uihlein and Marianne Lubar, along with individuals across Wisconsin.

“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,” Atkinson stated.

One in five women trusts Planned Parenthood for preventive health care like cancer screenings, birth control, and STD testing and treatment.

In a statement following the announcement, One Wisconsin Institute program director Analiese Eicher said, “Planned Parenthood’s announcement is great news for the women and families of Wisconsin who deserve confidential, nonjudgmental reproductive health care services from a trusted provider."

She continued, “While Donald Trump, Scott Walker and others try to impose their judgements and turn back the clock on women’s health care, it’s heartening to see leaders like Planned Parenthood rallying community support to open a new, state of the art facility. Congratulations, and thank you, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin.”

Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse released this statement: “Despite the continued efforts from Republican leaders to dismantle access to vital health care services, it is heartening to see community members rally behind an organization that has been a trusted health care 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.”

And state Sen. LaTonya Johnson said, “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.”