Stop Turning Personal Affairs Into Political Ones

There is a common misconception that Planned Parenthood is a center for abortions, and that’s it. Only three percent of Planned Parenthood’s services relate to abortions. Planned Parenthood receives $500 million in federal funding and it is

Planned Parenthood is an organization that provides healthcare and education to both men and women, having over 650 health centers that provide healthcare to countless communities around the world. Shockingly, 78% of those who use Planned Parenthoods services live at or below 150% of the federal poverty line, showing how important this organization is to low-income families (Topulos, Greene, Drazen). Their mission statement is “A Reason for Being”, which is shown through their efforts to provide health care, advocate public policies, create educational programs, and endorse research. There are those who do not believe Planned Parenthood should be funded by the government, though, due to the fact that they provide abortions to women in need. Studies show that the effects of not having Planned Parenthood available are disastrous, causing low-income families to lack a healthcare provider and the number of those who are infected with STD’s and STI’s to rise. The biggest concern communities have about the government defunding Planned Parenthood is the effects that it would have on low-income families who would no longer have access to something that many people take for granted: health care. Although many believe that Planned Parenthood mostly provides abortions, in reality, only 3% of the people that seek help from them receive an abortion, while 97% receive affordable and, in many cases,

Planned parenthood has been a topic of controversy the last couple of years, as people throughout the nation ask whether or not the healthcare organization should be defunded. When video footage was released in 2015 of “Planned Parenthood medical officials discussing the sale of fetal tissue to researchers,” it seemed likely that federal funds would be revoked as backlash from the public was noted (Welch). Although the nonprofit organization does offer the termination of unplanned pregnancies, the organization offers many more services to women and men, such as free birth control and yearly health checkups “backed by medical experts and more than 100 years of research in reproductive health” (Planned Parenthood). As many people struggle financially to provide for their families, Planned Parenthood’s services are a relief to those who otherwise would not be able to afford healthcare, which is why the organization should not be defunded.

"Planned Parenthood is the nation's largest provider of sexual and reproductive healthcare, providing birth control, pap smears, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and pregnancy tests to 5 million people each year. It has an annual budget of $800 million, 860 clinics, at least one representative in each state and enough members and staff that its reach into the grassroots is unmatched by any other entity fighting for reproductive freedom and women's equality" (Conniff, 2012).

Given the misinformation depicted in the media it is difficult to discern what Planned Parenthood does and exactly how it is that they allocate their funds. Though opponents of Planned Parenthood would have us believe abortions and contraception is what they do, health screenings and prevention is a more accurate description. More so given the array of services they offered and the fact that those they serve are mainly from the uninsured and underrepresented minority population. Though steeped in controversy, Planned Parenthood services are of great benefit to society, more so given their efforts in preventive care. Because

Planned Parenthood provides services to approximately 2.7 million people a year. Planned Parenthood also receives an estimated $500 million of federal funding. Not only do they receive federal funding, they also received about $250 million from other sources and raised approximately $50 million in fees from their services. Tax dollars should not be used to fund Planned Parenthood because there is a lot of controversy about the services that Planned Parenthood provides, many do not agree with certain decisions Planned Parenthood makes, and there’s a lot of debate about what Planned Parenthood spends their money on.

Over a hundred years later, Planned Parenthood still operates under the goal of providing comprehensive reproductive health care services to women. This provision of a full range of reproductive services has been deemed in a study by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and National Partnership for Women and Families to be “essential not only to their health and well-being but also to their ability to pursue an education, hold jobs, support their families, achieve economic security, and function as a free and equal member of society” (Lawrence). The study goes on to say that “without access to the full range of reproductive health services, all that is in jeopardy.” (Lawrence). Planned Parenthood will no longer be able to fulfill its mission of providing a full range of reproductive services if the current federal government achieves their goal of overturning Roe v. Wade. Lawrence, the author of the study, also describes a need for “health care decisions based on patient’s health and needs rather than insurance coverage or payment capabilities.” An interesting point is presented here in that if Planned Parenthood concedes its abortion services, there is no guarantee that whatever organization fills in that gap will do so honestly. There is no other organization so committed to the concept of family planning and reproductive services that they do not run the risk of providing inadequate

The more impressive parts of Planned Parenthood come from their work towards cancer screening and prevention (16 percent), STD testing for both men and women (35 percent) and contraception (35 percent.)[ Ezra Klien, “What PLanned Parenthood actually does, in one chart.” (February 2nd, 2012)] By saying Planned Parenthood just revolves around abortion supply is the understatement of the

For nearly a century, Planned Parenthood has opened its doors to a myriad of women from all stations in life to provide health education and services. Women flock to Planned Parenthood due to its affordability, confidentiality, and the generous amount of support this organization supplies. Allegations have been made in an attempt to shut down Planned Parenthood, and in some states they have succeeded. These unfounded accusations are manipulated and twisted from the truth. These claims, in an aftermath, have put millions of women at risk and may well continue on this treacherous path. Planned Parenthood should not face massive funding cuts; they offer a wide assortment of services at affordable prices with the sole intent of keeping women safe

Planned Parenthood is a reproductive health clinic who is partially funded by the government. Because of certain laws, the money given to Planned Parenthood is directed towards aspects of the program like cancer screenings, pap smears, contraceptives, etc, and is not used to perform abortions (“Planned Parenthood”). Pro-Life supporters believed that funding Planned Parenthood allowed for extra money to support abortions, and were able to get Congress to pass a bill to defund the organization in January of 2016 (“Planned Parenthood”). President Barack Obama ultimately vetoed the bill, but Congress has not stopped efforts to defund the organization. Women and men benefit from Planned Parenthood in many ways other than abortions, and defunding it would be detrimental. Planned parenthood One source says, “Planned Parenthood's operations include preventing unintended pregnancies by distributing birth control and educating the public about contraception; reducing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) through education, testing, and treatment; and screening for cervical and other cancers. Planned Parenthood clinics also offer pregnancy tests, prenatal care, and adoption referral services. Furthermore, Planned Parenthood sponsors the largest sex education program in the United States, educating 1.5 million adults and teenagers every

As society progresses, abortions and their rates continue to increase. For many young women it is a safety cushion and for others it is a shameful memory that they have to live with as a consequence of their own choices. That being said, women shouldn’t resort to Planned Parenthood as a solution; evidence has shown that they are behind some of the most cruelest acts and still continue to be funded by the Government claiming that it is safe, quick, and saves you money. Unfortunately, many Americans see this as a quick fix, however, this organization is associated with inhumane ideas that violates federal laws. If the society we live in is to meet at an agreement where everyone is happy there should be trust; trust from our government and Planned Parenthood to ensure the safety of women. Despite all the “benefits” spread by planned parenthood and their supporters, they have illegally profited by selling baby parts as well as being held accountable for abuse in their clinics, committed illegal partial-birth abortions, and manipulated the abortion procedures along with brutal methods to get the job done. No women or baby should be mistreated or lied to for the sake of making profit, instead, it is time that we open our eyes to the brutality and suffering to bring it to a stop. Save money, save time, and save lives, shutting down Planned Parenthood does matter, and is a

Planned Parenthood has been one of the biggest discussions since the early 1900’s. Many argue about whether the government should continue funding this program. For the reasons of whether it is moral to have an abortion, does abortion affect a women’s health, and what are the positive and negative impacts that result from this situation. The government should continue funding planned parenthood, because if not, women would be forced to take drastic measures, women’s rights would be taken away, and as a result could affect the child negatively throughout its life.

From their latest annual report from 2010, the organization accounted for providing 11 million health services for about 3 million people and helped prevent 584,000 unintended pregnancies (Planned). They also noted in their annual report they mentioned that most of their customers have an income levels at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (Planned). In the pie chart of the report it notes the percentages of the services provided for 2010, were: contraception’s representing 33.5%, STD’s treating and testing represented 38%, cancer screening and prevention at 14.5%, other women’s health services representing 10.4%, other Services representing 0.6%, and lastly abortions representing 3% of services that were provided (Planned). The current President of Planned Parenthood is Cecile Richards and the organization currently has 820 locations nationwide (Planned). Planned Parenthood is the biggest organization when it comes to reproductive services and has made many leaps and bounds to try and help women and families, and is still currently doing so. Some however believe that what they are doing is still morally wrong because of one services provided, which happens to be abortion.

They provide four hundred thousand Pap tests and nearly half a million breasts exams detecting breast cancer every year. Planned parenthood has also provided over four million tests and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases and infections. They have also performed seven hundred thousand HIV tests. Only three percent of the company’s health care services consist of abortion services.

I found myself in need of services provided by Planned Parenthood due to not being able to afford my health insurance. When I did have access to health insurance I was able to obtain my birth control at no cost. Due to not having insurance the cost of my birth control rose to $190.00 per month. When looking for other options, Planned Parenthood gave me great advice and I was given the opportunity to pay $30 a month for my birth control. This organization allows women and men to have access to reliable information on reproductive health, low cost contraceptives, HIV and STD information and treatment as well as access to information on abortion without