Article Summary –
Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania is temporarily closing three of its four clinics due to staffing shortages, affecting over 11,000 patients, and is attributed to high demand for nurses and a law signed by President Trump that restricts federal funding for clinics providing abortions. This law, which blocks Medicaid reimbursements crucial for reproductive health services, has led to 50 Planned Parenthood clinics closing nationwide since being unable to bill Medicaid. Alliyson Feldmann, a former patient and advocate, highlights the difficulties in accessing reproductive healthcare and the increased hostility from anti-abortion protesters that exacerbate the crisis, especially in areas like Allegheny County with many college students and limited healthcare resources.
In January, Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania announced a temporary closure of three of its four clinics, affecting over 11,000 patients. The closures, including the Bridgeville Health Center on Dec. 5, 2025, and the Greensburg Health Center on Jan. 16, leave only the Johnstown Health Center operational for in-person services, while telehealth options stay available.
Michael J. Gibson, communications director for Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania, told WESA that there is a staffing shortage, with 50% of registered nurses and nurse practitioners leaving. “Demand for registered nurses is at an all-time high with fewer available,” said Gibson.
Nationwide, many clinic closures are tied to a budget law signed by President Donald Trump in July 2025, which blocks federal funding for organizations providing abortions, except in specific cases such as rape or life-threatening situations. This law affects Medicaid reimbursements for reproductive health services, impacting low-income patients.
The New York Times reported 50 of nearly 600 clinics closed due to Medicaid billing blocks. Federal abortion funding restrictions apply under the Hyde Amendment since 1977, allowing exceptions only in certain situations. Before Trump’s law, Planned Parenthood received federal support for non-abortion services.
Alliyson Feldmann, an advocate from Upper St. Clair, was a patient at the Bridgeville clinic. She now seeks an obstetrician-gynecologist connected to a hospital, facing appointment delays until July. Feldmann emphasized supporting Planned Parenthood by using her private insurance to help fund low-cost community care.
Feldmann, who had a stroke during pregnancy, felt more supported at Planned Parenthood, which provided care not available to her elsewhere due to her post-stroke condition. The clinic closures leave her and others struggling to find trusted care providers.
Feldmann mentioned potential threats from anti-abortion protesters as a deterrent for clinicians at Planned Parenthood. President Trump pardoned 23 activists charged under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, escalating tensions around clinics.
The Bridgeville Health Center served many college students in Allegheny County, an area with over 70 universities. Feldmann noted the state is a health and maternity care desert, expressing concern over losing family planning services.
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