{"id":201906,"date":"2026-03-12T20:51:10","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T20:51:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/201906\/"},"modified":"2026-03-12T20:51:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T20:51:10","slug":"planned-parenthood-expands-san-antonio-testing-services-clinic-hours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/201906\/","title":{"rendered":"Planned Parenthood expands San Antonio testing services, clinic hours"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"TwoTwo of Planned Parenthood\u2019s San Antonio health centers have expanded their hours. Credit: Screen Capture: Google Maps<\/p>\n

Despite facing unrelenting attacks<\/a> from state and federal politicians, Planned Parenthood South Texas revealed Thursday that it\u2019s offering new services across its five San Antonio health centers and expanding hours for two. <\/p>\n

As part of the expansion, the clinics are introducing\u00a0self-HPV testing\u00a0for cervical cancer screening,\u00a0same-day \u201cpeace of mind\u201d testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea and providing more-affordable birth control pills\u00a0starting at $8 per month for those who qualify, officials with the sexual and reproductive healthcare provider said.<\/p>\n

In addition, Planed Parenthood South Texas\u2019 location at 2140 Babcock Road will now operate 8 a.m.-noon every Saturday in addition to its regular hours, while the 920 San Pedro Ave. location will open twice a month with those same Saturday hours.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Officials with the nonprofit health provider said the expansion comes as patients face growing barriers to care. Lone Star State residents regularly deal with obstacles such as busy work schedules, limited transportation and difficulty taking time off as they look after their health. <\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone deserves access to preventive health care that is respectful, affordable and easy to access,\u201d Planned Parenthood South Texas CEO\u00a0Laura Terrill said in a statement. \u201cMany patients delay cervical cancer screenings because they are nervous about pelvic exams or struggle to find time for appointments. By offering self-HPV testing that allows patients to screen for cervical cancer without a pelvic exam, along with same-day STI testing and expanded clinic hours, we are making it easier for people to prioritize their health and get the preventive care they need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hispanic women are 40% more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer than non-Hispanic white women and are less likely to be screened, according to data from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the American Cancer Society shared by Planned Parenthood officials. The World Health Organization notes that regular screening can reduce cervical cancer mortality by 80%.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\tPaxton\u2019s suit follows another by a Galveston County man against the same doctor. Both cite House Bill 7, passed in September, that allows lawsuits over abortion pill access.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"After\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tThe course includes examples of when abortion is permitted to protect the life of the patient, but many experts say pregnancy complications are impossible to capture in a brief presentation.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Galveston\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tUnder House Bill 7, a private citizen who successfully sues an abortion pill provider can receive up to $100,000 from the defendant.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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