Planned Parenthood will close 4 clinics

Planned Parenthood on Thursday announced it will close four of its 12 clinics in Iowa, after the new Republican-led Legislature cut its state funding this year.

Local affiliate Planned Parenthood of the Heartland said the closings, slated for June 30, will hurt access to reproductive health care in Iowa, especially in rural areas. More than 14,600 people visited the clinics— located around the state — in the past three years.

“This is a case of extreme Iowa politicians deciding they know what’s better for a woman’s health than the women actually seeking care, with devastating consequences,” said Suzanna de Baca, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland.