An anonymous donor pledged to give Planned Parenthood $9 million dollars to go towards two new health clinics in West Texas, according to the Dallas Morning News. Although a final decision on locations have not been decided yet, the announcement sparked a range of reactions from Lubbock County political members.
“I was very happy about it,” Tracey Benefield with the Lubbock County Democratic Party said. “We are lacking support for women in this area and I was excited to see that may come back to this area.”
“I’m shocked in some aspects, not very shocked in others,” Lubbock County Republican Party Chairman Steve Evans said.
Planned Parenthood has not announced where the clinics will be built, however, Midland and San Angelo were both mentioned.
Related Link: Donor Pledges $9 Million for Planned Parenthood Clinics in West Texas
“We as a whole are completely against abortion and anyone that provides services,” Evans said. “As I understand abortion is still something that’s legal under certain circumstances under state law, we want those providers to be licensed and have all the proper credentials.”
“There are some great programs that reeducate young mothers and unexpected mothers,” he added. “Some go on to keep the child and raise it. So we would support those programs as an alternative to abortion.”
Benefield told EverythingLubbock.com clinics like Planned Parenthood would offer a choice to West Texas women looking for support and a choice to their own healthcare.
“Well it could bring more STD testing as well as more options on when women would like to start their families, and it could provide more education, and a safe place they can go to whenever they want to make an informed decision.”
