Planned Parenthood Seeks $5M From Michigan to Prevent Clinic Closures
Planned Parenthood warns of potential clinic closures statewide without emergency $5 million from Governor Whitmer as federal funding runs dry.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN — Planned Parenthood of Michigan has requested $5 million in emergency state funding from Governor Gretchen Whitmer to prevent health center closures across the state, citing federal funding cuts and insurance access restrictions under the Trump administration.
The organization sent an open letter to Whitmer on Wednesday afternoon warning that it faces a funding gap that could force additional clinic closures. Paula Thornton Greear, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Michigan and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, said the organization has already exhausted its Title X federal funding for the fiscal year, which does not end until October.
“We’ve been doing everything possible to weather their cruel attacks against our patients, our services, and our funding, while continuing to provide care to everyone who is relying on us,” the letter states. “But we are now facing a funding gap that we can not bridge alone.”
Federal Funding Challenges
The organization reports that Title X program funding, which previously covered approximately one quarter of its total funding, has been depleted months before the fiscal year concludes. This depletion comes as patients face restrictions on using Medicaid at Planned Parenthood facilities and have lost access to other insurance coverage.
The funding crisis has already resulted in clinic closures, including the Planned Parenthood facility in Marquette, which closed in April 2025 due to funding cuts. The organization warns that additional closures could follow without immediate state intervention.
“We need you to take immediate action to keep our doors open because the window to preserve access to reproductive health care in Michigan, including abortion, is rapidly closing,” the letter continues.
Governor’s Response
Following the open letter, Thornton Greear criticized Governor Whitmer during a call with reporters, stating that “Michigan patients are not a football to be tossed around from branch to branch of the government.”
The letter was sent jointly by the Boards of Directors of Planned Parenthood of Michigan and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan. The organizations have indicated they have been raising concerns about this funding trajectory for months.
The request comes as reproductive health services face increased scrutiny and funding challenges under federal policies implemented by the current administration. Planned Parenthood operates multiple health centers throughout Michigan, providing various reproductive health services including contraception, cancer screenings, and abortion care.
The organization emphasized that the funding request is necessary to maintain healthcare access for patients who rely on Planned Parenthood services across the state. Without the emergency funding, additional clinic closures could leave patients without access to reproductive healthcare services in their communities.
