A protesters rally was made against a proposal to open a Planned Parenthood clinic on Monday, while gathered outside a California high school board meeting.
The board of the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District was planning to vote during the meeting on whether to allow a reproductive health clinic to open at John Glenn High School in Norwalk.
But amid reports that far-right groups would be coming to protest, the district said the proposal would no longer be considered during Monday’s meeting.
“As a result, action will not be taken this evening during the regularly scheduled Board Meeting.”
Some also railed against the idea that the proposed clinic could offer gender-affirming hormone therapy to students. During the meeting, a speaker said, “We’re begging you guys, don’t let these kids get these hormone blockers”.
But the clinic’s staff would be permitted to make referrals to other Planned Parenthood centres for services that are not offered there, according to the proposed agreement.
The clinic would also be able to write prescriptions and dispense pharmaceuticals related to reproductive health, including contraceptives and antibiotics.
Planned Parenthood Los Angeles (PPLA) 2019 announced a program to open 50 “Wellbeing Centers” in high schools across Los Angeles County to create “a safe space in each school where students can receive the education and health services they need to lead healthy lives.”
“Mental and behavioural health issues, substance use, and lack of knowledge around sexual health can create barriers to academic success,” PPLA president and CEO Sun Dunlap said at the time.
“Finding support to grapple with these issues generally requires students to go off campus and means time away from class, money for transportation, and explaining your whereabouts to others, all hurdles that loom large for teens.”
The school board and Planned Parenthood Los Angeles have been contacted for comment.
