By: Allyson Roach
FAYETTEVILLE, AR (UATV) – Northwest Arkansas is now once again the home of a new Planned Parenthood Facility.
The recent facility in Fayetteville closed down in 2019, but has once again reappeared in Northwest Arkansas.
The new facility is located in Rogers, in a county that has recently proclaimed itself as pro-life.
The center is the root of recent controversy within Benton County and has already seen its fair share of protestors and members of the community.
Planned Parenthoods Vice President of Community and Strategic Relations, Heather Palacio, said “We are continuing to see protestors and folks who object to the care we offer, nothing new there, we are still here for our patients who needs us no matter what and we are very pleased to be back in Northwest Arkansas.”
Palacio’s described other services that this new facility will provide, “We offer primary health care services, including HIV and STI testing, birth control and contraceptives, hormone therapy, breast exams and pap smears and will eventually offer abortion services, etc.”
Planned Parenthood treats over 2.4 million patients a year, 321,001 of those are male, according to Planned Parenthoods 2019-2020 Annual Report.
Facilities across the nation, according to the annual report, have performed over 2,500,000 birth control services, 5,434,446 STI tests and treatments, and 542,659 breast exams and pap tests.
The Planned Parenthood organization sparks controversial conversations within Arkansas legislation.
According to the quarterly financial reports that were filed with Arkansas Secretary of State’s office last week, Planned Parenthood donated over $2,700 to candidates running for Arkansas legislation.
Planned Parenthood created an active footprint within the political realm of Arkansas.
Although the organization is thrilled to be back, some community members are not.
St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church has expressed dissatisfaction with the new facility. Members helped rally protestors the weekend of the opening.
On October 3, pro-lifers plan to participate in the annual Life Chain event right outside the new Planned Parenthood facility as well as participating in the 40 Days for life that consists of 40 days of prayer in front of both the Rogers and Little Rock Locations.