As we celebrate 40 years of Planned Parenthood in Louisiana, we recognize that reaching this milestone wouldn’t be possible without your support. A lot has changed in the last four decades, but our commitment to caring, educating, and advocating for our community is stronger than ever. Moving forward with optimism and resilience, we are guided by the lessons of the past and fueled by our vision of a future where everyone can access the health care they need and make informed choices about their own bodies. With you on our side, we’ll be here for the next 40 years and beyond.
“Receiving health care at Planned Parenthood is an amazing experience. I appreciate the inclusivity and that it is non-judgmental. It is also affordable and accessible which is important.”
JULY 2023–JUNE 2024
EXPANDING PATIENT CARE
Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade more than two years ago and allowed states like Louisiana to completely ban abortion, patients have been left desperate, confused, and fearful –questioning what care is still legal and where they can turn. In this drastically changed landscape for reproductive health care, Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast is a critical provider of compassionate, nonjudgmental care and a trusted source of medically accurate information and resources –which is why we expanded pregnancy-related services in our Louisiana health centers this past fall. In both New Orleans and Baton Rouge, we offer ultrasounds for pregnancy dating, evaluation for early pregnancy loss and miscarriage management, and pre- and post-abortion care in addition to pregnancy testing, unbiased pregnancy options counseling, and out-of-state abortion patient navigation, including direct financial assistance for travel-related costs.
Learn more at ppgulfcoast.org/pregnancycare
IN FY24 IN LOUISIANA, PLANNED PARENTHOOD GULF COAST PROVIDED:
29,948
6,930 HIV prevention counseling and testing visits
1,795 cancer screenings and prevention services
655 ultrasounds
BLACK HEALTH EQUITY
Fighting for Black health equity in Louisiana is critical due to the long-standing systemic disparities that negatively impact the health outcomes of Black communities in the state. Culturally competent care is essential for addressing the specific health needs of Black Louisianans. PPGC has partnered with Beloved Community to develop the Black Health Equity Initiative to better inform the way we mitigate health disparities (such as maternal mortality, life expectancy, and lack of access to care) and work to close the gap for Black patients in Louisiana, while being firmly rooted in the communities and patients we serve.
EDUCATION
As a part of our efforts to reach as many people as possible, our Baton Rouge Health Educator created the PPGC Empowered virtual education platform. The Google classroom is a training platform designed to equip teens and adults with the skills and knowledge they need to lead comprehensive sex education lessons on topics like anatomy, birth control and barrier methods, sexually transmitted infections, and supportive relationships.
PPGC is expanding our Promotores program in partnership with Latinx organizations throughout Louisiana. We’re working to train local New Orleanian Latinx leaders on best practices around sexual health education using the Promotorescreated VOICES (Volunteer, Open, Inclusive, Community Education on Sexuality) Program. Learn more by reaching out to our team at promotora@ppgulfcoast.org.
SECOND CENTURY AWARD
In 2023 we began awarding PPGC’s highest honor, the Second Century Award, at our Louisiana special events.
At our 2023 New Orleans Fall Celebration, we presented the inaugural Louisiana Second Century Award to: Tamara Kreinin, one of Planned Parenthood’s fiercest and earliest advocates in the state.
In Baton Rouge, we honored The Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge, a longtime partner that embodies the principles of love, compassion, and community.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The 2024 state legislative session further proved what we already know: Anti-abortion politicians aren’t satisfied with just banning abortion. In 2025, we expect to see continued attacks on other basic reproductive health care like birth control, Louisianans’ ability to access abortion out-of-state, Planned Parenthood’s ability to provide care in Louisiana, and access to comprehensive sexual health education for young people. But rest assured, hostile lawmakers can expect to see and hear our collective resistance and continued demands for the rights and freedoms we deserve.
SIGN UP FOR OUR 2025 LEGISLATIVE UPDATES AT ppgulfcoast.org/lalegupdates
We have been focused on building people power across the state, including fostering leadership and empowering historically marginalized and oppressed communities. We do this work alongside core partners—10,000 Women, Lift Louisiana, the Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom (LCRF), Louisiana Trans Advocates, and the Reproductive Justice Action Collective (ReJAC)—to move the needle on a range of issues that affect Louisianans’ health and lives. We also collaborate with other local partners on intersectional efforts, such as LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations and sponsoring and tabling at community events.
@ppgulfcoast www.ppgulfcoast.org
