In January of this year, the Louisiana Department of Health denied Planned Parenthood a “Certificate of Need”.  This is a legally required permit issued by the state upon certification that a medical or abortion facility is actually needed in the geographical area.  Planned Parenthood maintained that New Orleans should have 2,844 more abortions than are currently performed in the New Orleans area and they (Planned Parenthood) want to sell those additional abortions.  The State of Louisiana has ruled that there are already enough facilities providing abortions in Greater New Orleans.  Planned Parenthood is appealing the state’s decision.

Without this “Certificate of Need”, Planned Parenthood cannot legally operate an abortion facility in New Orleans.