Planned Parenthood Officially Opens In Seaford

SEAFORD, Del. - Years after the last one closed in Rehoboth Beach, a Planned Parenthood Center makes its return to Sussex county, this time in Seaford. The center opens during a new debate over abortion rights in the country. 

"I think it's a good idea," said Rose Poole, a Seaford resident who is all for the new Planned Parenthood in town.

"If they reverse Roe v. Wade things are going to be very hard for a lot of people. With Planned Parenthood here, where people can go and discuss information and get the proper information and the proper guidance I think it's wonderful," added Poole.

But not all agree.

"My honest opinion is that I actually don't believe in abortion,"  said Stacy Galiana, who is also a Seaford resident.

"I think that babies should come to this world you know like us as humans. Give them an opportunity to have a life," explained Galiana.

Planned Parenthood of Delaware says the abortion rate is around 4% statewide for the patients that they serve.

"It's not at all the biggest service that we have. Most of our patients come to us for birth control, STD testing, annual visits, pap smears, cancer screens, gender affirming care, all the prenatal care," said Ruth Lytle-Barnaby, CEO of Planned Parenthood Delaware.

When the news about a Planned Parenthood returning to Sussex county first came out, prayer vigils and people holding up pro-life signs were held across the street from the clinic for weeks.

Planned Parenthood of Delaware says they respect everyone's opinion.

The center officially opened its doors on the same day the U.S. Supreme Court held oral arguments on Dobbs v. Jackson women's health organization, a Mississippi case that could challenge Roe v. Wade and allow states to change there abortion laws.

As far as what things could look like in the future for Delaware, Planned Parenthood of Delaware says only time will tell.

"Delaware right now is fairly well protected. Now, Delaware could become unprotected if our legislators change, the makeup of our legislator became much more focused towards banning abortion," added Lytle-Barnaby.

A Supreme Court decision on the Mississippi case is expected by this Summer.