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Planned Parenthood opens to protests Dubuque

DUBUQUE (KWWL) - Despite months of protest and debate, Planned Parenthood officially opened a new clinic in Dubuque Thursday.   

The protests began once word came that Planned Parenthood would open a new clinic in Dubuque.  At 10:00 am Thursday the clinic opened its doors.  But the protesting hasn't stopped.

"Planned Parenthood is bad for Dubuque.  They are an abortion pipeline and any girl can walk in and get an abortion referral," said Colleen Pasnik, a volunteer with Dubuque Right to Life.  

Despite the rain -- protestors lined up outside Dubuque's Planned Parenthood Health Center.

For some the issue is personal. "Now she can't have any children, she tried to commit suicide because of it.  And I don't want to see that happen to teenagers in Dubuque and I don't want to see that happen to anyone," said Stacie Hoppman of Dubuque.

Planned Parenthood President Joe Lock says the Dubuque clinic will not perform any abortions.  "Planned parenthood of east central Iowa has been around since 1980 and while there are many different kinds of abortion pills and surgical services, Planned Parenthood isn't' an abortion provider and it's not in our strategic plan," said President and Chief Executive Officer, Joe Lock.

While it won't perform abortions or hand-out the RU-486 pill, Planned Parenthood in Dubuque says it will refer patients who want an abortion, without a lecture.  "Planned Parenthood provides non-judgmental services to every patient that comes through our doors.  Whether that patient chooses adoption or to terminate we'll refer equally for those services," said Lock.

But that's the exact reason protestors say they'll be here as long as Planned Parenthood is. "We plan on being here whenever they're open to voice our opposition and to speak for the babies that can't," said Pasnik.

"Planned Parenthood isn't here to be in a fight.  That's not the case, we're here to provide health care to woman that are in need," said Lock.

The new Planned Parenthood clinic on Central Avenue in Dubuque will also provide contraception, cervical cancer screenings and sexual education services; all things, the group says women in Dubuque need.

Dubuque's Right to Life issued a statement Thursday saying: "We are saddened that Planned Parenthood will be preying upon the vulnerable youth of Dubuque, as well as the Tri-State area, all for the almighty dollar. It is only appropriate that they are opening on a dark and dreary day."

Online Reporter: Lauren Squires