Claim that DNC is offering free abortions, vasectomies to Chicago attendees is false

Planned Parenthood is offering free abortion medication, emergency contraception and vasectomies at a mobile clinic at the same time as the convention, but the DNC is not involved

CLAIM

Information circulating on U.S. right-wing media claimed that the Democratic National Convention would be offering Chicago attendees free abortions and vasectomies.

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BACKGROUND

An article published by right-wing columnist and radio host Todd Starnes falsely claimed the DNC was providing free abortions and vasectomies to its attendees.

The article titled, “DNC to Offer Chicago Attendees Free Abortions, Vasectomies”, said delegates would have access to the services throughout the convention.

Starnes said Planned Parenthood was running the mobile health centre, which would be parked near the convention.

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METHOD

Information released by the nonprofit organisation Planned Parenthood and DNC revealed the information is false.

Planned Parenthood released a statement saying its mobile clinic would operate in the West Loop neighbourhood on August 19 and 20, providing free abortions and vasectomies and encouraging those interested in booking an appointment.

The organisation did not claim to be affiliated with the DNC nor that it would provide services in partnership with the official convention events.

The DNC events will take place from August 19 to 22 at the United Center and McCormick Place Convention Center.

While the DNC venues are close to West Loop, they are not in the same neighbourhood.

The DNC listed on its website an event focused on reproductive freedom that will take place during the convention but did not mention it is offering free abortions, nor does it feature Planned Parenthood as one of its vendors.

Planned Parenthood operates in southern Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan area, and has an office in Chicago, providing sexual and reproductive health, according to its website.

The four-day convention started on Monday and runs through Thursday as delegates convene to recognise Harris as the Democratic nominee for November’s presidential election.

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RATING

Planned Parenthood is offering free abortion medication, emergency contraception and vasectomies at a mobile clinic at the same time as the convention, but the DNC is not involved. The claim is false.

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SOURCES

“DNC to Offer Chicago Attendees Free Abortions, Vasectomies“, Todd Starnes [Published on August 17, accessed on August 20]

X (formerly Twitter) (2024) Planned Parenthood mobile clinic announcement [Published on August 15, accessed on August 20]

Planned Parenthood statement “Planned Parenthood Great Rivers to Feature Mobile Clinic to Demonstrate Commitment to ‘Care, No Matter Where’ August 19 and 20” [Published on August 19, accessed on August 20]

Democratic National Committee (2024) “DemPALOOZA: What’s at Stake for Reproductive Freedom Messaging Training” [Accessed on August 20]

Democratic National Committee (2024) Chicago list of vendors [Accessed on August 20]