New Planned Parenthood clinic uses Starbucks vibe so visitors can 'experience it communally

Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards heavily implied earlier this month that some of the organization's clinics would be forced to close their doors if Congress were to defund the group, leaving many of Planned Parenthood's patients with "nowhere else to go." But judging from the appearance of one of its newly opened clinics, the organization largely associated with abortions appears to be doing just fine.

Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington in Washington, D.C., opened a new $19.7 million location last fall. According to the Washingtonian, the building, named the Carol Whitehill Moses Center, was funded through private donations. The organization said it expects to serve about 12,000 patients during the first year.

With its hefty price tag, though, this isn't a run-of-the-mill Planned Parenthood facility. In fact, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington CEO Laura Meyers said she wants the facility to be seen as anything but another one of its traditional clinics.

President Donald Trump and many of his fellow Republicans have said they want to cut federal funding for Planned Parenthood entirely in the fiscal year 2018 federal budget. Planned Parenthood currently receives more than $500 million per year in taxpayer dollars, which accounts for about 40 percent of the organization's annual revenue.

Meyers told the Washingtonian that what the designers of the building were going for was a Starbucks and Apple Store feel.

“Some want to experience the space alone — sit with their laptop or phone. Others may want to experience it communally," Meyers said.

Pictures published by the Washingtonian show a facility sporting a sleek and modern look. Upon entering the building, users scan their IDs at a kiosk to confirm who they are. The Washingtonian reported the reception desk doubles to form a barrier in case of an intruder. And, as an additional layer of security, cactus plants with sharp needles, which the Washingtonian said "can be used to injure an attacker" are scattered around the building.

From the reception desk, visitors proceed to the waiting area, which offers "BuzziHubs" or cushioned sofas encased around the back, sides, and top by soundproof barriers for added privacy. The waiting area also features a work table with miniature walls, presumably a feature intended to add even more privacy for visitors.

Four large windows let in natural light, but a privacy film prevents anyone on the outside from being able to see inside.

According to Planned Parenthood's website, the Washington, D.C., clinic offers a variety of "services," including abortions, birth control, HIV testing, LGBT services, men's health care, the morning-after pill, pregnancy testing, and STD testing, treatment, and vaccines.

But it's not just visitors who are treated to modern and elegant amenities. The building houses an elegant kitchen on the upper level, reserved for staffers. The space features stainless steel appliances, a large center island with bar stools, and hanging chandeliers.

[graphiq id="lmSdGwQKYmh" title="Planned Parenthood Revenue Sources" width="600" height="600" url="https://w.graphiq.com/w/lmSdGwQKYmh" ]

(H/T: Washington Free Beacon)