MIDLAND - Abortion is still a topic of controversy in the United States. NewsWest 9 took a look at what it means now that Planned Parenthood is out of Odessa/Midland.
After 18 years of being stationed in Midland, planned parenthood announced it was closing it's doors late Friday evening. The Midland branch has offered contraceptive services since 1995, including abortions. Planned Parenthood has more than 750 locations across the United States.
Planned Parenthood is closing its doors and there is not another clinic like it for about 300 miles. Women in the area do have other options. Right across the street, there is a 'Choose Life Midland' sign offering to give women the services they need.
Abortion is a quickly disappearing option for women in the West Texas area. We tried to contact Planned Parenthood for comment, but NewsWest 9 was unable to reach them. Pro-life organization Choose Life Midland told us they are happy the clinic is heading out, but they are waiting for the day Planned Parenthood's doors lock for good. John Savage, a board member of CLM, shared his thoughts.
"All they have done is announce that they are closing. So until they do close we'll still do our effort out front and rescue as many babies as we can and help as many women as we can," Savage said.
Pro-life groups like CLM have demonstrated and offered counseling on or off Planned Parenthood property premises since 2006. Gina Aaron is a member who doesn't want women to give up their children to abortion.
"We're so proud of our governor Rick Perry and Greg Abbott and all the legislators that pushed through these healthcare reform bills for women's health care."
