Is Planned Parenthood Offering Free Abortions at the DNC?

“Here we come, Chicago!” tweeted Planned Parenthood Great Rivers last week in an advertisement for its “mobile health clinic” operating near the Democratic National Convention (DNC) this week.

The Details: Planned Parenthood offered free medication abortions and vasectomies on Monday and Tuesday, along with free “emergency contraceptives” at a van blocks away from the DNC; however, the event isn't affiliated with the DNC. 

For Context: Abortion is currently legal until the “viability” of the unborn in Illinois. Additionally, three new pro-choice laws were recently signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D). In an interview with NPR (Lean Left bias), Pritzker referred to the state as an "oasis" for out-of-state patients visiting to “exercise their rights.” 

Key Quote: “We are proud to demonstrate what is possible when policies truly support accessible reproductive health care,” stated Planned Parenthood Great Rivers Chief Medical Officer Dr. Colleen McNicholas in a press release. 

How the Media Covered it: While outlets on the left largely covered details about the occasion, outlets on the right focused on and highlighted criticisms of its nature and message, with sources arguing that it promotes and parades abortions rather than encourages choice. Democrats for Life of America Executive Director Kristen Day similarly argued that the event “overlooks the need to provide support and options” for pregnant women.