Planned Parenthood increasing vasectomy accessibility
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — As we head into the new year, Planned Parenthood Great Plains is increasing availability for vasectomies across Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
They say a big reason for it is politically driven.
Nearly a third of the country has outlawed abortion in their state, Oklahoma being one of them.
That is one of the big reasons why facilities like Planned Parenthood are increasing options for men to help prevent unwanted pregnancies.
"There are a lot of people who are really feeling motivated to take control over their reproductive health," Dr. Lydia Prevost, Physician with Planned Parenthood Great Plains said.
She says a lot of people have reached out to them for more services.
"We had a lot of of people reach out to us asking if we'd be offering additional services just given the current political climate," said Dr. Prevost. "Vasectomies around the country in November really started reporting another spike in people asking for vasectomy services."
Oklahoma is one of 14 states that have outlawed abortion, which Dr. Prevost says is another reason they decided to increase clinics.
"I think that is definitely a factor," said Dr. Prevost.
However, that doesn't mean abortions aren't still happening.
Neighboring states like Kansas and Colorado have seen a spike in abortions since Oklahoma outlawed the procedure in 2022.
Colorado reports nearly a third of their abortions last year were from out-of-state patients, like Oklahoma.
Kansas more than doubled their yearly abortions in 2023; more than 3,000 of their 19,000 patients were from Oklahoma.
"We know that in places that don't have access to abortion, people of all genders, men, women, everyone is just really trying to be more vigilant about their own reproductive health because they know that they don't have as many options as people who live in other states," Dr. Prevost said.
Understanding the political climate, Planned Parenthood is hoping to decrease the number of people having to seek help outside of Oklahoma.
"We have both a Tulsa and Oklahoma City Health Center and those will both be hosting vasectomy clinics, sort of alternating between the two centers throughout 2025," Dr. Prevost said.
Dr. Prevost says vasectomies are a safer and cheaper option compared to a woman getting her tubes tied or having to travel out-of-state for an abortion.
Follow these links for more information in Oklahoma City or Tulsa.