Planned Parenthood of Illinois Reopens Peoria Health Center After Firebombing in 2023
For Immediate Release: June 21, 2024 (Updated: June 21, 2024, 4:47 p.m.)
PEORIA, IL. - Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) is pleased to reopen the newly renovated Peoria Health Center, 2709 N. Knoxville Ave, over a year after it was severely damaged after a firebomb attack in early 2023. The Peoria Health Center suffered extensive damages costing over $1 million to rebuild, depriving the community of essential sexual and reproductive care for over a year. Today, PPIL held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and press conference with Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Michael Cabonargi, Congressman Eric Sorensen, Illinois State Senator Dave Kohler, and Chief Medical Officer of Planned Parenthood of Illinois Dr. Amy Whitaker to unveil the new state-of-the-art facility.
“We are back and stronger than ever,” said President and CEO of PPIL, Jennifer Welch. “We know the vital role the Peoria Health Center plays in the central Illinois community. The arsonist may have destroyed our health center and robbed the community from accessing care, but we were also brought closer together. Thanks to the ongoing support from Peoria leaders, residents, and donors we have the pleasure to be part of this amazing community once again.”
“The reopening of this Planned Parenthood clinic in Peoria is a critical step forward in ensuring access to essential healthcare for all. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to supporting organizations that provide comprehensive reproductive health services, and we applaud Planned Parenthood's dedication to serving their community,” said Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Michael Cabonargi. “The reopening also sends a clear message that we won’t be intimidated in our efforts to ensure reproductive health access for everyone.”
The Peoria Health Center attack is part of an ongoing trend of violence and arson against abortion providers since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. According to the National Abortion Federation, arson attacks have increased by 100%. In January 2023, the arsonist was arrested and pleaded guilty to the attack. He was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $1,450,000 for malicious use of fire and an explosive to damage, and attempt to damage the Peoria Health Center.
Peoria is reopening at the 2-year marker of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe in June 2022. Since then, PPIL has experienced a 47% increase in overall abortion care patients and an unprecedented number of out-of-state patients traveling from over 41 different states making up nearly a quarter (25%) of our overall abortion patients compared to 3-5% prior to Dobbs.
“After so much hard work and determination by our neighbors, I’m excited to celebrate the reopening of the Peoria Planned Parenthood Clinic. What happened in January of last year was a tragic example of what happens when extremism comes home. But extremism will never, ever play in Peoria. We are a more resilient people than ever,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “ I’m proud of the commitment of our Peoria community, Planned Parenthood of Illinois, and our local law enforcement who have worked so hard to deliver justice and get our clinic back up and running to serve our neighbors, protect abortion access, and safeguard our freedoms.”
The Peoria Health Center features new state-of-the-art equipment and 1 education room, 3 exam rooms, 3 ultrasound rooms, as well as administrative spaces. The Peoria Health Center offers gender-affirming care, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings, HIV testing, birth control, and medication abortion care. For more information or to make an appointment visit PPIL.org or call 877-200-PPIL.
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Media Contacts:
Mary Jane Maharry/[email protected]
773-490-6046
Celeste Sanchez/[email protected]
773-923-9906