INDIANAPOLIS, June 11 (UPI) —
Planned Parenthood plans to merge its operations in Kentucky and Indiana, officials say.
The organization operates two clinics in Kentucky, in Lexington and Louisville, and does not provide abortions at either one, The (Louisville) Courier-Journal reported Tuesday. It is far more active in Indiana with 26 clinics, including four that offer abortions.
Planned Parenthood clinics have about 5,000 patients a year in Kentucky and 75,600 in Indiana.
Kim Greene, who heads Planned Parenthood of Kentucky, said the Affordable Care Act imposes demands on healthcare providers that are difficult for smaller organizations. Planned Parenthood has only 20 employees in Kentucky.
The merger is scheduled to be completed next month with Betty Cockrum, president and CEO of Indiana Planned Parenthood, overseeing the new organization.
Cockrum said both Kentucky and Indiana need to provide more in rural areas. Officials say they will decide after the merger whether and where to expand in Kentucky.
Mike Fichter, president of Indiana Right to Life, predicted that means abortions in Kentucky: "Why would we not expect Planned Parenthood to expand abortion services in Kentucky? We think the writing’s on the wall."
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