Key Takeaways:
- Planned Parenthood is closing physical clinics but performing more abortions than ever.
- The organization is using online services like telehealth and mail-in abortion pills.
- It received nearly $800 million in taxpayer funding in 2023.
- Planned Parenthood helped over 33,000 women travel out of state for abortions last year.
Planned Parenthood Closes Clinics But Increases Abortions
Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the U.S., is shutting down physical clinics but ramping up its abortion services online. A new report from the American Life League’s STOPP program reveals this shift in strategy. While the number of Planned Parenthood clinics dropped to its lowest since 2006, the organization performed a record 402,230 abortions in 2022-2023.
Closing Clinics, Opening Virtual Doors
Planned Parenthood closed 66 physical locations between 2022 and early 2025. This drop in clinics has been dramatic, with 22 fewer facilities in just the first five months of 2025. However, the organization is not slowing down. Instead, it’s moving its abortion business online.
Through online appointments, virtual health centers, and mobile apps, Planned Parenthood is now providing abortion pills by mail. This approach allows the organization to bypass state laws that restrict abortion. Even in states where abortion pills are illegal, women can book virtual appointments and receive the drugs in the mail.
How Planned Parenthood Is Adapting
Planned Parenthood is leveraging the internet to continue its abortion services. The organization has expanded its telehealth platform, making it easier for women to access abortion pills remotely. A new social media app also promotes abortions, further reaching its target audience.
Katie Brown Xavios, director of STOPP, explains, “Planned Parenthood is using the internet to skirt state laws and continue its profitable abortion business. This is not only unethical but also illegal in many cases.”
The Impact of Telehealth on Abortions
The COVID-19 pandemic played a role in this shift. In 2020, the Biden administration temporarily allowed abortion pills to be mailed without in-person appointments. In 2023, the FDA made this change permanent, making it easier for Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers to distribute the drugs nationwide.
Additionally, “shield laws” in seven states protect abortion providers who prescribe pills via telehealth, even to women in states with stricter abortion laws. This has opened new avenues for Planned Parenthood to operate despite state restrictions.
Planned Parenthood’s Abortion-by-Mail Service
Planned Parenthood now promotes abortion-by-mail, allowing women to end pregnancies in the privacy of their homes. The organization boasts of helping over 33,000 women travel out of state for abortions in 2023. States like Illinois, North Carolina, Kansas, and New Mexico have seen increased traffic from women seeking abortions.
Taxpayer Funding Continues Despite Controversy
Planned Parenthood received nearly $800 million in taxpayer funding in 2023. Critics argue that this funding is unethical, especially since the organization is now operating in ways that skirt state laws and expand its abortion services.
Judie Brown, president of the American Life League, says, “Planned Parenthood is promoting abortion by mail, allowing women to kill their babies at home. This is not just wrong—it’s demonic. We must end Planned Parenthood’s reign of death.”
The Future of Abortion Access
As states pass laws to protect unborn children, Planned Parenthood is finding new ways to continue its abortion business. By moving online, the organization is reaching more women and performing more abortions than ever before.
Katherine Van Dyke, lead researcher for STOPP, notes, “Every closed Planned Parenthood clinic is a victory for life. But the organization is now using the internet to profit from abortions. It’s a disturbing trend that demands action.”
What’s Next for Planned Parenthood?
Planned Parenthood’s shift to online abortions has sparked debate. While the organization claims to empower women, critics argue that its actions are unethical and illegal. As the abortion debate continues, one thing is clear: Planned Parenthood is adapting its strategies to remain a major player in the abortion industry.
For now, the organization is thriving online, even as its physical presence declines. But with growing scrutiny and opposition, its future remains uncertain.