Planned Parenthood in Middlebury just learned it is being closed in four weeks! It is being closed by the Board of Planned Parenthood Northern New England (PPNNE). This has to be protested. Planned Parenthood of Middlebury provides affordable, accessible and quality health care for all — men and women of all ages. It serves our rural and vulnerable population. The nurse practitioners working there not only provide family planning services but primary health care. It is affordable care because it has a sliding scale.

News reports say the board is closing Planned Parenthood in Middlebury and three other sites in order to expand the days of operation at its Barre, Brattleboro and Williston locations. It has also recently closed the Newport Health Center and is closing the Claremont, N.H., Health Center as well. PPNNE needs to understand that PP Midd serves a rural community and it is difficult for patients to travel to these other sites. Addison County also has a critical shortage of primary care doctors.

Linda Andrews

Bristol