Miami Herald Examines Reduced Services At Fla. Planned Parenthood Clinics During Review

Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs;  Abortion
Article Date: 29 Mar 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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The Miami Herald on Friday examined how Planned Parenthood of South Palm Beach and Broward Counties' five clinics have reduced their services during a Planned Parenthood Federation of America review of the clinics. PPFA suspended services at the clinics after a February review found evidence of financial mismanagement (Samuels, Miami Herald, 3/28). The review also found deficiencies in the conditions, medical operations, policies and procedures at the clinics. The national office asked the group to suspend services at the affiliate's clinics in Boca Raton, Oakland Park, Tamarac, Pembroke Pines and Deerfield Beach, Fla., until the problems are addressed (Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 3/25).

According to the Herald, the clinics have turned away thousands seeking services previously provided at the facilities, including low-cost breast exams, mental health counseling, HIV testing, contraception and abortion services. The five clinics serve about 16,000 clients, according to the Florida Association of Planned Parenthood Affiliates. While the clinics are under investigation, clients will be able to receive test results and will be given referrals to other providers. An empowerment class for teenagers that is operated by the affiliate at the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County will continue during PPFA's investigation, the Herald reports.

Karen Ruffatto, vice president of operations at PPFA, said that although it is "very rare" to suspend services at affiliate clinics, it was necessary to suspend services at the Florida clinics to address "competency in management and fiscal discipline." Barbara Herring, a former board member at the affiliate, said the "real tragedy" in the situation is that "thousands of women don't have a place to turn for family planning." Alex Arreaza, the affiliate's board chair, said the affiliate and PPFA "really are just trying to mak[e] the clinic better," adding, "There's no need to worry. When we open again, we're going to be leaner and more efficient." It is unclear when the clinics will reopen, the Herald reports (Miami Herald, 3/28).

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