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Planned Parenthood Sees Surge In Visits Following Trump's Election

(CBS) – Planned Parenthood says there has been a surge in the number of women making appointments to acquire birth control.

The trend appears to be a response to concerns about President-elect Donald Trump's plans to change healthcare, CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports.

Under the provisions of Obamacare, health insurers must cover birth control for women. But as Trump makes his victory lap around the country he has said he will repeal and replace the program.

"It feels as though you're being penalized for being a woman," client Maria Caballero says.

Women across the state are so concerned about losing Obamacare at Planned Parenthood locations they are signing up droves.

Last year, between Nov. 6 and Nov. 29, only 334 women had made appointments. This year, from Nov. 9, the day after the elections, until Nov. 29, the number of women was 560 women in Illinois.

"I think people are anxious about what the unknown is," Brenda Wolfe, president of Planned Parenthood of Illinois, says.

The most popular birth control is a long-lasting IUD that without insurance could cost as much $1,000.

Fear of the unknown is prompting health care professionals like Dr. Jessica Shepherd to advise patients to be proactive about birth control.

"It's something we feel may be very costly without insurance coverage," she says. "Maybe that's something they should consider getting now, sooner rather than later."

 

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