"This merger will help ensure the long-term strength and viability of Planned Parenthood's mission and services throughout the region.  It also will enhance our ability to provide much-needed services to our patients and to reach even more people who currently do not have access to reproductive health care and sexuality education." See: http://www.ppcwm.org/pdfs/merger_message_in_web_whats_new.pdf

Well, it sure does not look that way now!  

Of course, CEO Humphrey is currently predicting all but the end of the world because PPWNM has $700K less in taxpayer funds to work with this fiscal year: "You are going to see an increase in school dropouts.  You are going to see an economic impact," Humphrey told the Grand Rapids Press.

Yeah.  I think, though, the only "economic impact" that will be truly felt is on Humphrey and her cohorts' salaries and perks because I know CEO Humphrey could not have forgotten that PPWNM would most likely see a reduction in the profits it makes exploiting vulnerable populations!  

See my 9-6-07 column highlighting the structure of the "Planned Parenthood community" in Michigan and how this supposedly non-profit keeps turning a nice profit year after year:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/9/6/03126/13330

But maybe not this year for PPWNM at least.

Michigan pro-lifers are rejoicing at the news of PPWNM's recent misfortune: "It is good news because Planned Parenthood is America's No. 1 abortion provider and promoter," said Pam Sherstad, director of public information for Right to Life of Michigan.  See: http://www.citizenlink.org/content/A000005625.cfm    

Even Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, released a statement on PPWNM's clinic closings:

"Less money for Planned Parenthood ultimately means fewer abortions," said Fr. Pavone.  "Planned Parenthood is the nation's largest abortion provider.  Less Planned Parenthood equals more life, it's that simple.  Hopefully, Michigan taxpayers' money will be redirected to organizations that will actually serve the public health." See: http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/578394364.html  

Hopefully, is right.  It is not clear that the Michigan Department of Community of Health's (MDCH's) new formula for distributing funds to reproductive "health centers" within the state will not just end up redistributing the funds among Planned Parenthood affiliates, such as the new and large Planned Parenthood of Mid and South Michigan - itself the product of a merger (effective just this past Monday, October 1, 2007) of the Ann Arbor-based Planned Parenthood Mid-Michigan Alliance and Planned Parenthood of Southeast Michigan.

Over the course of the coming weeks, I will be reporting on how and why pro-abortion Jennifer Granholm's MDCH changed its formula for distributing funds to Michigan reproductive "health centers" and what it really means in light of Planned Parenthood's new organizational strategy within the state.

Yet, Michigan pro-lifers can celebrate that, at least in Western and Northern Michigan, Planned Parenthood has suffered a major blow, and, as Fr. Pavone stated, "Less Planned Parenthood equals more life, it's that simple."

P.S. Do not forget that Sunday, October 7, 2007 is Life Chain.  Join tens of thousands of pro-lifers from all across Michigan and the rest of the USA (and Canada) in standing alongside major intersections as witnesses for Life!  See: http://www.lifechain.net for more details on participating in cities all across Michigan!

About the author: Andrew Shirvell, Esq., is a pro-life citizen activist who writes a weekly column that is published every Thursday for RightMichigan.com in which he focuses upon Michigan pro-life issues. Shirvell attended Ave Maria School of Law - Ann Arbor, where he served as president of the school's Bioethics Society, from 2004-2005.  He also served as president of Students for Life at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, from 2000-2002.