Planned Parenthood: More Illinois Women Seek Birth Control Services After Election

Doctor’s office
Associated Press / Fotolia
Doctor’s office
Associated Press / Fotolia

Planned Parenthood: More Illinois Women Seek Birth Control Services After Election

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Planned Parenthood of Illinois says it has seen a 50 percent increase in requests for birth control services since Tuesday’s election.

Katie Thiede, vice president of development for Planned Parenthood of Illinois, said people may be making appointments now because they are concerned about the future of the Affordable Care Act. Both President-elect Donald Trump and Republican leaders in Congress have called for the repeal and replacement of President Barack Obama’s landmark policy.

“I think the ACA had a particular importance for women’s healthcare and particularly around birth control coverage,” Thiede said.

Trump’s plan for his first 100 days includes “repealing and replacing” Obamacare.

Trump has also pledged to appoint conservative justices to the U.S. Supreme Court. There is currently one seat that remains open after the sudden death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February. Anti-abortion activists hope that a more conservative court could limit abortion access.

Planned Parenthood is adding appointment slots in Illinois to keep up with the recent spike in demand.

Thiede says appointments to get intrauterine devices, or IUDs, have increased since Tuesday. Demand for permanent sterilization services is also up, she said.

Shannon Heffernan is a reporter for WBEZ. Follow her @shannon_h.