Media

On Planned Parenthood’s 900,000 sq. ft. “AbortionPlex”, the Onion got it right!

Last week The Onion posted a tongue-in-cheek story which jokingly claimed Planned Parenthood was opening up a new $8Billion, 900,000-square-foot “AbortionPlex”:

The 900,000-square-foot facility has more than 2,000 rooms dedicated to the abortion procedure. The abundance of surgical space, [Planned Parenthood President] Richards said, will ensure that women visiting the facility can be quickly fitted into stirrups without pausing to second-guess their decision or consider alternatives such as adoption. Hundreds of on-site counselors are also available to meet with clients free of charge and go over the many ways that carrying a child to term will burden them and very likely ruin their lives.

The remaining space is dedicated to amenities such as coffee shops, bars, dozens of restaurants and retail outlets, a three-story nightclub, and a 10-screen multiplex theater—features intended not only to help clients relax, but to foster a sense of community and make abortion more of a social event.

The Onion also included a picture of the AbortionPlex’s “floor plan”:

Okay, so, this all sounds crazy, right?

Actually, the truth about Planned Parenthood’s current operating space and expansion plans is as strange –and almost as true– as The Onion’s “fictional” take on it.

Since 2007, as CBN News reports, Planned Parenthood has been opening up more and more “supercenters” to offer abortions and all the trappings that come with abortion:

  • In 2007 PP opened up a 22,000 square foot abortion clinic in Aurora, Illinois
  • In 2008 PP opened up a 40,000 square foot abortion clinic in Denver, Colorado
  • In 2009 PP opened up a 23,000 square foot abortion clinic in Sarasota, Florida
  • In 2010, PP opened up a massive 78,000 square foot abortion clinic in Houston, Texas

That’s not counting these huge Planned Parenthood clinics already in operation:

  • A 18,000 square foot abortion clinic in Schenectady, New York
  • A 10,000 square foot abortion clinic in Worcester, Massachusetts
  • A 12,500 square foot abortion clinic in New Rochelle, New York
  • A 10,000 square foot abortion clinic in Austin, Texas
  • A 14,000 square foot abortion clinic in Santa Ana, California
  • A 10,500 square foot abortion clinic in Yakima, WA
  • A 10,000 square foot abortion clinic in Fresno, California.
  • etc…

In fact, if you add up the square footage of just the “super-centers” I mention above – you get almost 250,000 square feet of Planned Parenthood abortion clinic! The fact is, if you count up all the space taken up by their abortion clinics nationwide, Planned Parenthood is already well on its way to having a 900,000-square-feet “AbortionPlex” – they just decided to spread them out so they can target the most vulnerable areas across our country.

On the other point that The Onion article makes, about all the “amenities” that Planned Parenthood provides its abortion “customers”, that’s not far off from the truth, either. This article in the Wall Street Journal noticed the trend back in 2008 (emphasis mine):

Flush with cash, Planned Parenthood affiliates nationwide are aggressively expanding their reach, seeking to woo more affluent patients with a network of suburban clinics and huge new health centers that project a decidedly upscale image … executives say they are “rebranding” their clinics to appeal to women of means — a move that opens new avenues for boosting revenue and, they hope, political clout.

[The new clinics] feature touches such as muted lighting, hardwood floors and airy waiting rooms in colors selected by marketing experts…

Planned Parenthood has also opened more than two dozen quick-service “express centers,” many in suburban shopping malls.

Some sell jewelry, candles, books and T-shirts, along with contraception.

One of Planned Parenthood’s biggest gimmicks, we know, is to offer low-cost (or often free) contraception to young people, only to make money off of their subsequent abortions.

And did you notice the “Chapel” in The Onion floor plan above? Seattle, WA’s Planned Parenthood, for instance, had a full-time “chaplain” on staff.

Finally — and this is especially grim:

Yep, basically true too.

… but in the end, it’s the square feet thing that gets me the most about this Onion article.

After all, let’s not forget that –when it comes to feet– these are the only feet that really matter:

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  • http://113tidbits.com tonyknuckles

    Despicable and horrifying. would like to say more but refraining from further invectives..Continue the fight!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AV5APO7J7JFAJNNGPMEXML7XJA Susan

    God help us!

  • Anonymous

    We truly need miraculous intervention to stop this evil abuse and corruption. They’re promoting their evil fortress and forgot to mention that after you pay them to kill your baby that they make more blood money by selling the brains, organs and tissues of these most innocent babies for research for more blood money. There’s nothing that makes abortion moral and the legality of it is purely political ~ and the blood money continues to filter between planned parenthood and the prodeath politicians and administration. Those who choose and vote prodeath would think differently if they were the ones being torn apart.
    Let us be kind to those who are in need, as during some point of your life, you also have been and  will again be, the one in need … Lord, hear our prayer … Amen

  • Marielenee

    The Onion’s story isn’t far from the truth at all, There is a horrifying article on this website: http://www.alleghenyreproductive.com/hope-for-the-future/   that they call “Hope for the future” truly evil! Unbelievable that people actually think like this and have no moral compass! Lord help us our world is becoming more insane by the minute! Pray to end abortion ++++

  • twistedsympathy

    This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever read…

  • Guest

    Just so that we’re all on the same page here, they’re not really opening up a new abortion clinic in Kansas, are they?  I know it’s a satire piece and the numbers are ridiculous, but satire generally contains a small bit of truth.

    • Lesgf8

      Oh. My. God.

      • Guest

        It’s a legitimate question, knowing that the Onion often parodies actual events.  If you’re just going to be rude and condescending to everyone here, I’d suggest going to a different site.  I think I’ve found the perfect one right here, it seems to be full of people just like yourself:

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        -http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/

        Your arrogant demeanor isn't helping anyone, and you seem to be here only to cause trouble.  I don't know whether you're upset about something or if this is just your idea of fun.  Consider talking to a close friend or family member about whatever is troubling you in the first case, or finding a new hobby in the second.  You'll be glad that you did.

        • Guest

          http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/

          Your arrogant demeanor isn’t helping anyone, and you seem to be here only to cause trouble.  I don’t know whether you’re upset about something or if this is your idea of fun.  Consider talking to a close friend or family member about whatever is troubling you in the first case, or finding a new hobby in the second.  It will be better for everyone here, yourself included.

          • Lesgf8

            The Onion is noted for their absurdity.. I thought that was painfully obvious. So pointing out what seems, at face value, to be ignorance should not be misconstrued as “causing trouble.”  

            And thank you for putting me among the ranks of such an esteemed scientist and humanist as PZ Myers. He’s right up there with the other loves of my life, Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens.  

            Lastly, you shouldn’t be so defensive. Consider talking to a close friend or family member about whatever is troubling you in the first case, or finding a new hobby in the second. It will be better for everyone here, yourself included. 

          • Tired of the Stupidity

            Guest is also right, your a real jerk most of the time. You attract more flies with honey than with vinegar, so don’t become a jerk just because what you thought was common knowledge wasn’t, you’ll be surprised what people don’t know. I didn’t even know The Onion exisited until a few weeks ago when they satired the trailer of a popular video game series.

          • Lesgf8

            “You’ll be surprised what people don’t know.”

            You are right about that.

          • Guest

            “It only seem right to build an $8 billion dollar complex for less than 3% of the services you provide.”

            I didn’t say anything about a $8 billion complex (I even said that the numbers are ridiculous – $8 billion is eight times their annual budget).  I asked if they were really building a new abortion clinic in Kansas.  That’s a fair question.

            “And thank you for putting me among the ranks of such an esteemed
            scientist and humanist as PZ Myers. He’s right up there with the other
            loves of my life, Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens.”

            Tells me as much as I’ll ever need to know…  You’re welcome.

          • Tired of the Stupidity

            He’s allowed to be arrogant as much as your allowed to be stupid, he wouldn’t be justifyied otherwise. It only seem right to build an $8 billion dollar complex for less than 3% of the services you provide.

  • Anonymous

    There is also a rather large one in Portland…  they had their grand opening on Valentines Day last year.  2010

    • Some Profound Name

      Yeah, I heard there are also plans to build a massive abortion airship so women no longer need to go to the clinic, the clinic comes to them.

  • Anonymous

    By the same token, if you add together the IQs of everyone on the Internet who  believed the story, you’re well on the way to having a composite person who isn’t dumber than a box of rocks. 

  • jomega

    What’s so special about those feet? They look kinda wrinkly and purple to me. I wouldn’t want them!

  • Sarah

    The Onion article is a satire making fun of right-wing people who make ridiculous claims, like the claim that 97% of services that Planned Parenthood provides are abortions (when in reality it is about 3%) and that tax-payer money goes to abortions (when in fact by law the federal funds PP receives cannot be used for abortions). Anybody who understands satire can see this.

    “One of Planned Parenthood’s biggest gimmicks, we know, is to offer
    low-cost (or often free) contraception to young people, only to make
    money off of their subsequent abortions.”

    This is one of the most laughable things I have ever read. Making contraceptives available to people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford them helps PP make money off those same people’s abortions? Really? Because last I checked, contraceptives actually helped reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies and therefore lower the need for abortions.

    • Capitalctu

      Can someone please tell me what services PP provides that are not already provided by govt. run health clinics?  Only one, that I can tell – abortion.  So why am I funding 2 separate programs (one of which is “private”) that provide the same services???

      • Sarah

        Government run health clinics are crowded and cannot afford to serve all the patients who need their services. Planned Parenthood fills the need for another option when one can’t get into the government clinics.

        • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000428435669 Roo Forlife

          If we werent funding Planned Parenthood those clinics would be able to provide those services. As a person who has  received services from different county health departments Ive never be turned away and none were overcrowded.

      • Mysticfox1

        In addition to Sarah’s points…..

        Government run health clinics don’t always specialize in reproductive needs (ability to give PAP test, mammograms, pre-natal specialized care, STD testing, etc).  Sure, I could get a general physical at a government clinic, but I would need a referral to go to a clinic that could perform the recommended bi-yearly pelvic exams.  It’s easier (and less expensive….which ends up costing you less in taxes!) for me to go to a PP than mess with the referral process.  Additionally, government run health clinics aren’t always located where the population need them most and often have better office hours and a better availability of appointments (there are over 800 PP providers in the nation.  The majority of these PP do not offer any abortion services in house.  These clinics only provide sexual and reproductive health service such as contraception, pre-natal care, pelvic/breast exams, STD testing/prevention/medial services, general health care, and the like).

    • chris2

      Sarah, if you can provide us with one example of a community where contraception became available and the abortion rate declined you will be the first to do so.
      When humans believe there are no consequences to pleasurable behavior their practice of said behavior increases. Every form of artificial contraception has a failure rate; PP is counting on this and the psychological effect of perceived “security” from pregnancy to boost their sales.
      Mysticfox1: when you say that the “majority of these PP do not offer any abortion services in house” can you back that up with a stat? Would like to know. Thanks, and good luck.

    • Lifelover

      Birth control has the potential to stop unplanned pregnancies. However, in order for it to be the full 97-98% effective, you have to use it at EXACTLY the same time EVERY day. I’ve counseled countless women who were pregnant while on birth control. Lower income girls using birth control are far more likely to misuse it, thus resulting in an abortion of an unwanted/unplanned pregnancy.

      Also, it continually amazes me how everyone believes Planned Parenthood’s 3% abortion number. How many undercover videos will it take for everyone to see that Planned Parenthood lies and deals illegally/unethically with people, especially young women?

      Anyhow, let’s look at some of their numbers, regardless of “percentage:”

      “Planned Parenthood services help prevent more than 612,000 unintended pregnancies each year.”

      Well, since we can’t say that we know for certain that birth control prevents those pregnancies (because you can’t add up all those women on birth control and all their cycles), it’s safe to assume, I think, that these are abortions? That’s a lot of dead babies.

      Also, let’s remember that it’s quite easy to shift those numbers around. “Prenatal care” can also be them doing an ultra sound for an abortion. However, instead of putting it under abortion, they list it under prenatal care. “Counseling.” What the hell is that? I have helped HUNDREDS of women who went to planned parenthood and were basically counselled into an abortion. “Oh hunny, you can’t go to school, pay off those loans, have a great job AND be a mommy. Let’s be realistic, just go ahead and terminate your pregnancy.” That’s a pretty common thing.

      Abortion aside, though, why are we insistent that the government should be paying to provide services that allow people to be personally irresponsible? “Damnit, I should be able to have as much sex as I want with as many people as I want, and not get pregnant. And by God, the government should pay for my birth control so that I don’t have to have any personal responsibility.” Geez. Grow up.

      • Sarah

        For one thing, there are other methods of birth control that
        are just as effective as the pill, but do not need to be taken at the same time
        every day, such as the depo prevera shot, IUDs, and condoms of course.  Planned Parenthood not only provides this
        birth control, but will also teach people how to use it and emphasize the
        importance of using it properly.

        PP does not only serve teenagers, either, so you’re saying
        basically that any woman (married or not) who doesn’t want to get pregnant just
        shouldn’t have sex. Well excuse me, but that is one really awesome thing about
        living in this time—people don’t just have to have babies until they start
        menopause.  One group does not get to
        dictate how others live their lives. You don’t want to use birth control or get
        an abortion—great, don’t do it. However, both of those things are completely
        legal and many people believe they are responsible choices.

        “How many undercover videos will it take for everyone to see
        that Planned Parenthood lies and deals illegally/unethically with people,
        especially young women?”

        Can you give links to these videos? Are they conducted by
        unbiased sources who have not edited them at all?

        “Well, since we can’t say that we know for certain that
        birth control prevents those pregnancies (because you can’t add up all those
        women on birth control and all their cycles), it’s safe to assume, I think,
        that these are abortions? That’s a lot of dead babies.”

        This statement is just ludicrous.  That quote says that it helps prevent PREGNANCIES,
        not births. I guess you can assume whatever you want, but it does not make it
        fact.

         Let me guess, you
        work at a pregnancy crisis center—the kind where you show women The Silent
        Scream while not even mentioning any other option besides giving birth. Whether
        you like it or not, abortion is the most responsible option in some cases. It
        is easy for you to say that you’ve “helped” hundreds of women whom PP wanted to
        get an abortion, just like I could say I know hundreds of women who flew to the
        moon and gave birth to aliens. Anectdotal evidence doesn’t mean anything in an
        internet discussion like this.

        The fact that people want birth control means that they are
        being responsible. They could just have as many babies as they can, that they
        cannot afford, and then not be able to take care of them. But hey, at least
        they gave birth. Also, like I said before, many of the women who use PP are
        married or in committed relationships. It is offensive to suggest that just
        because these women are low-income that they are promiscuous.

         

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  • Notnaive

    Sarah:
    Services and revenue are different.If Planned Parenthood gave out 100 free condoms, and performd three abortions at $500 dollars each, technically their abortion services is only 3%, but then think of how much money they generate from only “3% of their entire services provided”!
    Also the methods of birth control distributed by Planned Parenthood is rated the lowest in the country whether it is because it is low dose or faulty, or even both. By placing teenagers in control of their sex life at such a young age, then loading them up with the lowest dose birth control,  (if they even remember to use it) you bet they’re going to get pregnant and go running to PP to get an abortion.
    Also, tax payer money going towards abortion may not pay for the procedure itself but if it pays for the stirrpus, the lighting, the forceps, the suction machine, the abortionist, the heating ect… EVERYTHING but the money to have the procedure done, then yes, tax payer money is indeed supporting and funding abortion.

  • Sarah

    Notnaive,
    The whole point of the onion article, though, is poking fun at those who make ridiculous claims, so it doesn’t really matter in this context how much of their revenue comes from abortions. Also, your claim that PP gives out birth control that is not effective needs backup (as in proof from non biased source) to have any merit.

    • Sarah

      Oh, and like it or not, parents don’t get to “place teenagers in control of their sex lives at such a young age”. Teenagers will choose if and when to have sex, and if their parents don’t give them education and resources to make good decisions, they will have to deal with the consequences.

  • 12angrymen

    The title of this article is very misleading; The Onion did not get it close to right, nor did they mean to. You cannot add up all of the PP clinics and justify that it is close to what the original article reported. In fact even when you add up all the ones you did it is not close to what The Onion reported. I think maybe you are just trying to justify or placate all of the people around the internet who actually believed this story.

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  • Kait

    those feet at the bottom are of a baby who suvived being born two weeks before the leagal abortion “limit” in their state. Amellia. Her mother lied to have her be kept alive. Look up the story. She proved that a baby is a baby the day they are created.

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  • anonymous

    Oh my gosh. I was looking at this and kind of chuckling… and then I realized this isn’t a joke. Christ have mercy.

  • Ed8m8

    Ummm no the story was complete satire stop the BS in Gods name you do a great disservice to the faith  sheesh

  • Poop

    Those feet look like gummies

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Steve-Cheney/624250467 Steve Cheney

    “Satire is a sort of glass wherein beholders do generally discover everybody’s face but their own; which is the chief reason for that kind reception it meets with in the world, and that so very few are offended with it.”  Jonathan Swift, 1704

    Case in point, I think.

  • Sillybilly

    My moron radar is going nuts over this article.

  • http://twitter.com/JohnBachOregon John Bach

    Wow, you are incredibly stupid to think that Planned Parenthood uses all of that office space for abortions.

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