The Definition Of Planned Parenthood

This current debate whether Planned Parenthood should be funded by the Federal Government is a hot issue in the current election. It has become, not only a nationwide issue, but also worldwide where people from all around the world are able to put in their input on the argument. There are many people who

Planned Parenthood is a controversial topic sweeping the nation of America with political and moral issues. Every day one could come across a new article on it, stubble upon a news article in their local paper or even on their local news station. Planned Parenthood directly provides reproductive health services, is involved in teach young students about sexual education, contributes to research in reproductive technology, and interacts with legal and political efforts aimed at protecting and developing reproductive rights.

Planned Parenthood is a widely known nonprofit organization. They are the health care provider for millions of people within our nation. When people hear the words Planned Parenthood they automatically assume abortion. Yes, abortion is a service that they offer yet, they deliver much more than that. They deliver and educate us about birth control, cancer, men and women’s sexual health, pregnancy, sexual orientation and offer the Morning-After Pill (emergency contraception) and sexually transmitted disease screenings. Planned Parenthood is a large organization. “Planned Parenthood consists of 159 medical and non-medical affiliates, which operate over 650 health clinics in the United States. It partners with organizations in 12 countries

When getting the word on the street I had to keep an open mind to what I would find. Whether it be the ravings of mad men or the opinion of politicians, there is always a story to be found if you take the time out to ask someone about their day. Lucky for me I found two willing individuals that were willing to share their views on the public literacy practices of Planned Parenthood and their participation with the organization. What endeared me to this practice was that it literally screams to me first amendment and I dare you to stop me. Having read their responses, I have found that there are a multitude of ways one can advocate for their cause. They, along with thousands of other supporters, made a stand to have their voices heard. Reviewing the work Planned Parenthood does, I find the support they have amazing.

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 is one of the most controversial businesses out there to date. If you were to get a group of ten random people, I would imagine that at least six of them have an opinion related to it, and all of them an opinion on abortion, another highly controversial subject. Why is Planned Parenthood so controversial? Why do so many people want to fight for defunding from the federal government for that entity? Abortions are the biggest reason.

"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

There is clearly huge controversy and strong opinions surrounding Planned Parenthood, but those who are against it do not truly know what they are fighting against. Only 3 percent of Planned Parenthood services are abortion, so what happens with the other 97 percent? Planned Parenthood offers basic wellness check-ups, birth control, STD and STI testing, and cancer screenings. “...the heart of what Planned Parenthood does has nothing to do with abortion” (Nixon). All of these services can be life changing and life saving. It’s easier to go to a clinic like Planned Parenthood vs a traditional doctor because patients can walk right in. Plus there are services offered at Planned Parenthood that are not offered at other health centers. General practice clinics are not equipped for STD screenings or family planning services like Planned Parenthood clinics are (Zernike). So many people are caught up in their feelings about abortion that they will not acknowledge how beneficial Planned Parenthood is for myriads of people.

Although it provides many reproductive healthcare services, abortion has always been the center of most public debates and opposition. Planned Parenthood receives greater attention since more than half of its funding comes from federal subsidies. Republicans and Democrats have vehemently disagreed on the subject and often accused the other side of misrepresenting facts and undermining the greater public good for petty political interests.

Leaked videos from Planned Parenthood have caused frenzy among Americans and there have been debates on whether or not to continue funding this organization. These videos reveal Planned Parenthood officials discussing selling fetal tissue for profit. While they are proved to be edited videos, many people are still wary about the whole situation. Joining along with this frenzy is Ruth Marcus, whose article, Defunding Planned Parenthood would actually increase abortions, argues why Planned Parenthood should still be funded. Marcus provides substantial evidence including pathos and logos to support her claim; however, it is her ethos that is questionable. With numerous fallacies plaguing her argument, her ethos is damaged, thus affecting the argument’s

Numerous Americans, including some who are pro-choice regarding abortion, do not want their tax money used through Planned Parenthood for abortion. Staunchly religious people against abortion, claiming that it insults God to “kill unborn children,” are also against Planned Parenthood for giving out the service of abortion (DailySignal). Moreover, the selling of fetal parts by PP has become a big issue that is increasing the support for defunding PP.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. (PPFA), better known as Planned Parenthood is a non-profit organization that provides reproductive healthcare and education in the United States and globally. The non-profit’s history is rooted in Brooklyn, New York, where Margaret Sanger and her sister Ethel Byrne opened the first birth control clinic in the U.S in 1916, later founding the American Birth Control League in 1921, which changed its name to Planned Parenthood in 1942 (Planned Parenthood, 2016). Moreover, Planned Parenthood was founded on the revolutionary idea that women should have the information and care they need to live strong, healthy lives and fulfill their dreams — no ceilings, no limits (Planned Parenthood, 2017).

There have been many different events that have caused controversy with today’s society. Some of these include the following: the 2016 presidential debate, Donald Trump, Renowned gun control, and many others. Everybody has their own opinion to believe what they choose and desire. That is one of the many amazing things about living in America, free to have our own opinions. Many things do not have a right or wrong answer. One thing in specific that caught my attention is the Planned Parenthood debate.

There has been a recent event where the House of Republicans defunded an organization for one whole year, which can save many lives. People rely heavily on Planned Parenthood, being the nation’s health care provider, as it provides them with reproductive health benefits. These benefits include, but are not limited to, access to contraception, cancer screenings, and basic preventative care. However, there are numerous amounts of people who concur with the decision to defund this organization. This issue is highly debated as Planned Parenthood provides abortions. Sometimes people fail to notice all other benefits provided by the organization and the consequences of defunding Planned Parenthood, when they encounter abortion.