Planned Parenthood Fairbanks: Reproductive Health Services and Advocacy in Alaska

When you think of Planned Parenthood Fairbanks, a key provider of reproductive health services in northern Alaska. Also known as Planned Parenthood of Alaska, it’s one of the few clinics in the state offering abortion care, contraception, STI testing, and gender-affirming services to people who live hundreds of miles from the nearest hospital. For many in Fairbanks and beyond, this clinic isn’t just a medical center—it’s a lifeline.

Reproductive health in Alaska faces unique challenges. The state has vast distances, extreme weather, and a shortage of OB-GYNs outside Anchorage. abortion rights, a legally protected but politically contested service in Alaska remain accessible here, unlike in many other U.S. states. sexual education, a core program offered by Planned Parenthood Fairbanks to teens and adults is delivered in schools, community centers, and even remote villages through mobile outreach teams. These services aren’t optional—they’re necessary. In 2023, over 60% of patients traveled more than 100 miles to reach the clinic. Many came by plane, snowmobile, or bus, often skipping work or school to get care.

Planned Parenthood Fairbanks also works closely with tribal health organizations to ensure culturally respectful care for Alaska Native communities. They offer free or low-cost services regardless of income or insurance status, which matters in a state where nearly 15% of residents live below the poverty line. The clinic doesn’t just treat conditions—it fights for access. When state lawmakers tried to restrict funding for abortion services in 2022, it was the Fairbanks team that organized the largest protest in the city’s history, drawing over 2,000 people.

What you’ll find in the articles below isn’t a list of unrelated news. It’s a collection of stories that connect to the real-world impact of reproductive healthcare in remote areas. From how clinics like this survive under political pressure, to how young people in rural Alaska learn about their bodies, to the quiet heroes who drive hours just to deliver a pregnancy test—these are the threads that tie together the work done in Fairbanks. This isn’t just about one clinic. It’s about what happens when healthcare becomes a fight, and who shows up to win it.