Michigan community center ends Planned Parenthood lease

Last week, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency board of directors voted 3-3 to end a lease which allowed Planned Parenthood of South Central Michigan to use its buildings. In tie votes, motions are denied so the motion to renew the lease was denied. The 7th member of the board would have voted against the renewal as well.

Opposition to Planned Parenthood’s role as Title X provider for St. Joseph, Branch, and Hillsdale counties began before the contract was awarded, and has continued to build, particularly in the past year. Yesterday morning, more than 100 people packed the BHSJ meeting room in Coldwater, the majority to express opposition to Planned Parenthood, abortion, and to the lease renewal, while others spoke in support of Planned Parenthood’s services.

Summing up what was the sentiment of the majority of those speaking against renewal of Planned Parenthood’s lease, Jim Goethals of Sturgis said, “I’d like to see Planned Parenthood replaced by a medical provider that does not provide abortions.”

A number of speakers, most impassioned in their delivery, told the BHSJ board of their opposition to Planned Parenthood because it is a provider of abortions at its facility in Kalamazoo. Lorijo Nerad of Three Rivers presented a personal narrative of what she said were very negative experiences with the organization.

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