For decades, Planned Parenthood has portrayed itself as the gold standard of reproductive health care. But recent revelations show a disturbing reality—one that raises serious concerns about the organization’s priorities and commitment to women’s well-being. A bombshell New York Times report has exposed horrific medical practices at the nation’s largest abortion provider, from botched procedures to expired medications, and even sewage leaking into recovery rooms.
The stories emerging from Planned Parenthood’s clinics are not mere isolated incidents. One woman endured months of pain and bleeding due to a mismanaged IUD placement, only to be hounded by continued billing long after she had already paid. Another was unknowingly four months pregnant when an IUD was inserted, leading to the tragic loss of her child. These are not simple mistakes—they are symptoms of a system that prioritizes ideology and profit over patient safety.
Abandoning Medical Standards for Political Gains
As the medical director of four pregnancy centers across North Carolina, I’ve seen firsthand the aftermath of Planned Parenthood’s neglect. Women come to us after experiencing rushed, impersonal, and often harmful treatment at abortion clinics. Many report feeling like they were pushed through a conveyor belt system rather than receiving the individualized care they needed.
Perhaps even more shocking is Planned Parenthood’s reckless approach to abortion drugs. As an expert witness in a North Carolina case, I was stunned to learn that Planned Parenthood does not require ultrasounds to confirm gestational age or rule out an ectopic pregnancy before prescribing chemical abortions. This is not a minor oversight—it’s a life-threatening failure.
Abortion drugs are only approved for use within the first ten weeks of pregnancy because of the increased risk of complications beyond that point. Yet, Planned Parenthood prescribes them through eleven weeks, ignoring established safety protocols. Even more dangerously, without an ultrasound, an ectopic pregnancy could go undetected—putting women at risk of internal bleeding and even death.
Planned Parenthood’s disregard for these basic medical standards is shocking but not surprising. The New York Times report reveals a troubling truth: Planned Parenthood’s funding structure does not prioritize patient care. Despite receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in donations annually, the national organization directs much of its financial resources toward pro-abortion advocacy, legal battles, and political influence—not improving health care at its clinics.
A New Approach to Women’s Health
In contrast, pregnancy centers operate with a clear mission: to provide compassionate, holistic support for both women and their preborn children. While Planned Parenthood funnels money into lobbying, pregnancy centers allocate resources directly to helping families in need.
A recent study by the Charlotte Lozier Institute found that in 2022 alone, pregnancy centers provided an astounding $367 million worth of free medical services, educational programs, and material assistance. This included pregnancy tests, early ultrasounds, STD testing, parenting classes, diapers, car seats, baby clothes, and more. The impact is undeniable—clients report a 97% satisfaction rate.
Pregnancy centers recognize that real health care does not pit women against their children. Instead, we affirm the value of both lives. Many of the women who walk through our doors face overwhelming circumstances—poverty, addiction, abusive relationships—and believe abortion is their only option. But unlike Planned Parenthood, we don’t abandon them to a quick procedure and send them on their way. We walk with them through their pregnancy and beyond, ensuring they have the resources, emotional support, and medical care they need to thrive.
The Future of Reproductive Health Care
It’s time to acknowledge the truth: Planned Parenthood has strayed far from its original mission. In today’s post-Roe America, we need a better way forward—one that doesn’t exploit vulnerable women for political gain but instead offers them real support, real medical care, and real hope.
Pregnancy centers are ready to lead the way. Unlike Planned Parenthood, we are not driven by ideology or profit. We are committed to the women and families we serve, ensuring that they receive the care they deserve. While Planned Parenthood abandons women for the sake of power, we embrace them with love, dignity, and life-affirming care.
