State gives boost to Planned Parenthood clinics

After months of financial strain, Planned Parenthood will get a $140-million lifeline to offset losses it sustained after Congress in July cut funding for the health system, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday.

- BY KRISTEN HWANG

CARLIN STIEHL Los Angeles Times

A SUPPORTER raises a Planned Parenthood sign at the California Democratic Party convention May 31. Many clinics have been closed.

The money will help Planned Parenthood keep 109 California clinics open. In a statement, Newsom said the move reflects the state's continued commitment to abortion and reproductive healthcare.

"Trump's efforts to de-fund Planned Parenthood put all our communities at risk as people seek basic healthcare from these community providers," Newsom said.

Lawmakers will also take up the issue in January when the Legislature reconvenes.

The news came a week after the nonprofit organization announced it would eliminate primary care at clinics in Orange and San Bernardino counties. Five other clinics also closed in July in the Bay Area, Santa Cruz and the Central Valley, all in response to federal defunding.

Planned Parenthood needs roughly $27 million monthly to operate its facilities, according to Jodi Hicks, president and chief executive of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, the organization's statewide advocacy group.

"We're incredibly grateful that we've found a way to get some funding out to our Planned Parenthood health centers so they can remain operating and continue services," Hicks said.

California is the fourth state, following Washington, Colorado and New Mexico, to pledge public funds to keep Planned Parenthood afloat. Lawmakers in Oregon and New York are considering similar moves.