Tuesday, August 17, 2010

 

 

 
Planned Parenthood Drops San Francisco Affiliate

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) severed ties with its San Francisco-area affiliate, Planned Parenthood Golden Gate, over allegations of administrative and fiscal mismanagement, according to the Bay Citizen. PP Golden Gate will need to find a new name as of September 3.

The precarious financial situation of the state of California impacted the abortion provider, which is not receiving MediCal payments while the state budget remains unapproved. The loss of the Planned Parenthood brand will mean the group will lose other benefits like discounts on supplies and name recognition, Bay Citizen reported.

However, PP Golden Gate officials said they will not close their abortion clinics in Hayward, Oakland, San Francisco, San Rafael, Rohnert Park, and San Mateo, according to Bay Citizen. “We will continue our operations at all of our seven sites,” Therese Wilson, interim CEO, told the newspaper. “We are working really hard to keep our doors open.”

Even before PPFA’s decision was announced, PP Golden Gate showed signs of difficulties when it closed its clinic in Redwood City in June, the San Francisco Examiner reported. It sent its clients to the San Mateo clinic.

Despite the affiliation withdrawal, the national organization does not intend to cease its abortion business in the area. PPFA affiliates in neighboring Concord, San Jose, and Mar Monte are planning to expand into the area, according to SF Appeal.