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IN and KY Planned Parenthood merge

Planned Parenthood of Indiana is merging with Planned Parenthood of Kentucky in a move the healthcare organization says will strengthen the services offered in both states.

Leaders of the new Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky say the merger was prompted largely by the Affordable Care Act.  They say creating a larger organization will help them tap into the benefits of the federal law.  The new affiliate will have 28 facilities – 26 in Indiana and two in Kentucky.  The bulk of financial savings will favor Kentucky, which will significantly reduce its administrative costs, including downsizing three positions.

Planned Parenthood of Indiana Board of Directors Chair Yvonne Perkins will remain in her current position in the new organization and says she believes the merger will free up dollars in both states.

“For us to be able to reach out to our rural constituents and provide more access to healthcare in that arena.”

Planned Parenthood of Indiana President Betty Cockrum, who will also retain that title for the new affiliate, says her organization has reached out to key donors and stakeholders to gauge their support for the merger.

“Our supporters are with us because they believe in this mission and that mission exists regardless of where that patient or person in need lives.”

In a statement, Indiana Right to Life says they believe the merger will expand abortion services to Kentucky, whose Planned Parenthood clinics do not currently provide abortions.  Planned Parenthood officials say offering abortions in Kentucky will be a consideration as the new affiliate assesses expanding services. 

Brandon Smith is excited to be working for public radio in Indiana. He has previously worked in public radio as a reporter and anchor in mid-Missouri for KBIA Radio out of Columbia. Prior to that, he worked for WSPY Radio in Plano, Illinois as a show host, reporter, producer and anchor. His first job in radio was in another state capitol, in Jefferson City, Missouri, as a reporter for three radio stations around Missouri. Brandon graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2010, with minors in political science and history. He was born and raised in Chicago.