Planned Parenthood clinic in Tyler shuts down, what it means for local healthcare access

TYLER, Texas (TXAN 24) — The Planned Parenthood clinic on Turtle Creek Drive has officially closed its doors for good. As of July 17, the clinic — which had served East Texans for years with affordable reproductive and sexual healthcare — is permanently shut down.

While some in the community have praised the closure, others say it’s a major blow to healthcare access in the region.

Why Did It Close?

The answer boils down to money and politics.

Over the past several years, Texas has aggressively cut funding to reproductive health programs, excluding providers like Planned Parenthood from Medicaid and the state’s Women’s Health Program. On the federal level, policy changes blocked certain funding streams as well.

Without reimbursements and with rising operational costs, the Tyler clinic became financially unsustainable. Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas made the decision to close the location and shift to telehealth services through its mobile app and virtual health center.

But in a rural region like East Texas, many don’t have access to stable internet, private spaces, or tech tools to make telehealth a reliable option.

What Services Were Provided?

It’s important to note that the Tyler location did not perform abortions.

Instead, it provided essential care including:

• Birth control and pregnancy testing

• STI and HIV testing and treatment

• Cancer screenings (Pap smears, breast exams)

• Men’s health services (including testicular exams)

• UTI treatment and family planning counseling

The clinic served a broad range of patients: women, men, teens, students, and uninsured families — many of whom lacked other affordable options.

What’s Next?

Planned Parenthood will continue offering telehealth appointments statewide. Locally, the Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) remains a resource for low- or no-cost STI testing and treatment.

Still, advocates warn that the clinic’s closure will disproportionately affect those with the least access to care — particularly in rural and low-income communities.

TXAN 24 News is working to create a Community Care Guide for East Texans navigating this change.

If this closure has impacted your ability to access healthcare, we want to hear your story.

📢 Contact our newsroom: newsroom@txan24news.com

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