Controversial Decision: Richmond City Council Sells School To Planned Parenthood For $10

Context and Implications

In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, abortion access has faced significant restrictions in nearby states such as West Virginia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Consequently, the Old Dominion has become a regional destination for abortion services, witnessing a dramatic surge in demand.

“To have these options and opportunities in the city of Richmond puts us in a class of our own,” said Mayor Levar Stoney (D).

Rising Demand for Abortion Services

Statewide data underscores this trend: since 2020, Virginia has experienced nearly an 85% increase in clinician-provided abortions, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Out-of-state clients historically comprised 6% of Planned Parenthood Virginia’s patients, a number that remained consistent from 1980 to 2022. Since the abolition of Roe, that number has increased to 30%.

VLPP Communications Director Rae Pickett said the need for the facility is urgent.

“When people access abortion care, sometimes they are traveling long distances and they might bring their children with them,” said Pickett. “So our health centers are able to identify things nearby, like libraries or playgrounds for folks to be able to accommodate.”

The Family Foundation president Victoria Cobb said the facility isn’t needed.

“The needs of the city, particularly in this area, are great — homelessness, addiction, education,” Cobb said. “There are so many needs and there are so many entities trying to meet those needs that could have done that more effectively in that property location.”