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Board approves emergency $171,000 increase to Planned Parenthood security grant amid spike in protests
Summary
The board voted to increase a DPH grant to Planned Parenthood Northern California by $171,000 to cover staffing and security costs after the clinic reported 28 security incidents July–Sept 2024; the ordinance passed on first reading (10 ayes).
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Oct. 1 approved an ordinance (first reading) to increase a Department of Public Health grant to Planned Parenthood Northern California by $171,000 to fund security personnel at its San Francisco health center, citing an uptick in protest-related incidents.
Supervisor Stefani (Stephanie) framed the authorization as urgent, saying clinics that provide reproductive care face escalating harassment and that the recent “40 Days for Life” protests have increased the need for on-site security. “Every day without additional security leaves the clinic vulnerable to disruption and violence,” she said.
Drew Morell, the Department of Public Health chief financial officer, told the board that Planned Parenthood reported 28 separate security incidents at the San Francisco center between July 1 and Sept. 26, 2024 — a notable increase from prior years — and that the clinic's security budget was exhausted by July 2024. Planned Parenthood proposed adding security coverage during operating hours and extra staff for the protest windows; the organization will contribute $108,000 toward the proposal and requested $171,000 from the city to cover the balance.
Planned Parenthood senior center director Ruth Nunez told the board staff had experienced direct intimidation and, in at least one instance during the period described, a staff member reported a person brandishing a gun near the facility. “These kinds of funds are important to the continuous services of what San Franciscans need,” she said.
City officials said DPH will expand monitoring and reporting beyond initial legislative requirements, including quarterly spending checks and incident summaries. The ordinance will increase the current grant ceiling from $400,000 to $571,000 for the term that runs through March 31, 2025.
The vote: Supervisors approved the increase on first reading with 10 ayes recorded. Several supervisors including Dorsey signed on as cosponsors.
Why it matters: City leaders said the grant protects patient and staff safety and keeps essential reproductive-health services accessible amid intensifying protest activity. Supporters said the increase is a short-term emergency measure; opponents in public comment urged vigilance that the funds not be used for unrelated services.
Representative quotes: “This escalating activity puts both patients and health care providers at significant risk,” DPH staff reported; Ruth Nunez said staff had to call police after threats and suspicious packages. Supervisor Stephanie told the board the increase is needed “now.”
Next steps: DPH will provide enhanced spending monitoring and a written report on security personnel and incidents to the board per the ordinance’s reporting schedule.
