The only Planned Parenthood facility in Washington, DC has now officially opened this past week. Named the Carol Whitehill Moses Center, the new $20 million, 27,000-square-foot facility is located in Northeast Washington and will be accessible to all patients in the Metropolitan DC area. This new building comes in the wake of the closure of Planned Parenthood's previous locations in Downtown DC in June of 2015, and in the Southeast district in 2014. Finally, after 40 years of serving the Washington DC community, there is a new and revamped facility that will be able to serve more patients in need of Planned Parenthood's services. The new building plans to help an estimated 12,000 patients within the next year alone.

This new building will also serve as the administrative headquarters for Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington D.C. A major problem with the previous sites was its inability to really stand out for patients to find easily, however, that issue is nonexistent with this new facility.

The development of this building did not proceed without giving thought to the safety of Planned Parenthood's staff members. After months of protests from abortion protestors, Planned Parenthood will provide security for its staff including security check in at the entrance, and an outdoor courtyard that serves as an alternative exit to the front entrance. The center offers patients services for women and men, including HPV vaccines, breast and pelvic exams, same-day birth control, emergency contraception, abortion services, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. With this new modernized facility, Planned Parenthood will be able to serve the Washington D.C. community better than ever before. Planned Parenthood will continue to provide necessary services to those who need it.