SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Christine Ruiz nervously sits in a Planned Parenthood clinic, preparing for her first Botox treatment at this location. She shares her preferences for the procedure, speaking comfortably about past experiences with injectables.
The Planned Parenthood Mar Monte clinic, the largest affiliate in the U.S., is now offering cosmetic treatments like Botox alongside traditional healthcare services. These treatments are paid for out of pocket, and patients can even request sedation for procedures like IUD placements.
This move comes as Planned Parenthood faces financial challenges due to funding cuts from state and federal levels. In 2025, new rules limited Medicaid payments to organizations that perform abortions. Planned Parenthood has closed five clinics since these cuts, impacting its ability to deliver essential reproductive healthcare.
Dr. Laura Dalton, the Chief Medical Operating Officer of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, emphasizes the importance of these new services in helping the organization stay afloat financially. “We’re excited that patients can support us through aesthetic services,” she says. About 75% to 80% of Planned Parenthood’s patients rely on California’s Medi-Cal program. The revenue from aesthetic services could fill funding gaps and allow them to maintain core services.
Despite the new offerings, some political figures are raising concerns. Critics, including those from anti-abortion rights groups, have called the funding of cosmetic procedures a misuse of taxpayer money. However, Dalton insists that Botox also has medical applications, such as treating migraines. She believes aesthetic services can help promote bodily autonomy.
The clinic charges around $9 per unit of Botox, making it a competitive option. Recent state funding efforts have channeled millions into supporting Planned Parenthood and similar organizations in response to federal cuts. In early 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom allocated $90 million specifically to help these services continue.
Social media reactions to these new offerings have been mixed. Some users celebrate the clinic’s expanded services, noting how it might foster both health and self-expression. Others express concern that associating cosmetic procedures with a respected healthcare provider could dilute its mission.
Jessica DeFino, a beauty critic, raises an important point: she questions how these cosmetic services align with feminism and the organization’s core values. “I believe there’s a disconnect between pushing for freedom from gendered expectations and offering anti-aging treatments,” she states.
As the clinic explores further service expansions, including cosmetic fillers and weight-loss treatments, it is clear that Planned Parenthood is adapting. Their focus remains on making sure essential healthcare is accessible while navigating the challenges of modern funding.
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