Officials from Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan say they'll consider whether to begin offering abortions.
This comes following a recent decision by the Planned Parenthood Federation of America to expand its definition of core services, which the organization says should be offered by each of its affiliates nationwide.
Katherine Humphrey is President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan.
"The only two services that we don't provide at every site is HPV vaccinations and abortion, and we'll begin phasing in the HPV vaccination at our health centers in this first quarter of this year."
Humphrey says her affiliate so far hasn't offered abortions.
"Over the years, in terms of abortions, we've regularly evaluated our need for abortion services, compared with the associated costs and the availability of other providers in the affiliate's service area, which is a 52-county area. And we'd made the decision not to provide these services directly."
Humphrey says the affiliate now has to reconsider whether to offer abortions.
"In terms of abortions, in response to the standard, our board of directors, and our medical directors, and our senior leadership are in the process of conducting appropriate due diligence. And we'll determine how best to move forward once this process is completed."
Humphrey says they have until 2015 to make that decision.
Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan has eight offices across 52 counties, with centers in Big Rapids, Petoskey, and Traverse City.
This comes following a recent decision by the Planned Parenthood Federation of America to expand its definition of core services, which the organization says should be offered by each of its affiliates nationwide.
Katherine Humphrey is President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan.
"The only two services that we don't provide at every site is HPV vaccinations and abortion, and we'll begin phasing in the HPV vaccination at our health centers in this first quarter of this year."
Humphrey says her affiliate so far hasn't offered abortions.
"Over the years, in terms of abortions, we've regularly evaluated our need for abortion services, compared with the associated costs and the availability of other providers in the affiliate's service area, which is a 52-county area. And we'd made the decision not to provide these services directly."
Humphrey says the affiliate now has to reconsider whether to offer abortions.
"In terms of abortions, in response to the standard, our board of directors, and our medical directors, and our senior leadership are in the process of conducting appropriate due diligence. And we'll determine how best to move forward once this process is completed."
Humphrey says they have until 2015 to make that decision.
Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan has eight offices across 52 counties, with centers in Big Rapids, Petoskey, and Traverse City.