The two facilities that will be closing there are part of the Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast Network, which is also closing two facilities in Texas. Dozens are permanently shutting their doors nationwide, including in Michigan, Utah, Illinois, and California, due to the Trump administration's restrictions on Title X funding.
"We finally have the opportunity to say good riddance to the largest abortion proponent," says Gene Mills, president of Louisiana Family Forum.
While Planned Parenthood is the nation's largest abortion provider, he clarifies they could only refer for abortions in Louisiana.
"It's been our onerous laws in our efforts to prayerfully and peacefully, and with petition and principled public policy, shut down availability of abortion in Louisiana," Mills relays. "We prayed for 40 years – they've been here for nearly 50 – for an abortion-free Louisiana, and we finally are on the precipice of achieving just that."
But he knows this does not end the fight.
"They say that no political victory is ever permanent or irreversible, and I would put this in that category," says Mills. "It's a moral victory because they are defunded."
He commends President Trump for fulfilling his pledges – as well as U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) and the senators who were involved in getting this policy through.
"We rejoice," Mills tells AFN. "Louisiana is a pro-life state. We welcome children, we celebrate families, and we celebrate our faith largely, loudly, and earnestly."
The news of these closures comes just ahead of Louisiana Family Forum's annual gala that honors the lawmakers who stand for life, liberty, and limited government.
