In the wake of the recent Planned Parenthood leaked video scandal, a resurgence of anti-choice rhetoric has been spewed. As a result, the Senate recently voted on whether or not to take away federal funding from the organization. Fortunately, that vote failed and federal funding for Planned Parenthood remains intact. However, three states have voted to defund the organization since the controversy: New Hampshire, Louisiana and Alabama. Planned Parenthood reports that only three percent of its total performed services are abortions. What about that other 97 percent?
1. Life-saving breast exams.
Planned Parenthood conducts breast exams at their locations. These exams help women who may not know what to look for when conducting breast exams on themselves. By going to Planned Parenthood, women can have breast exams. And if a mammogram is needed, Planned Parenthood will refer them to where they can get a mammogram in their area. Planned Parenthood has also been known to help women who cannot afford a mammogram find grants and resources that can help them pay for the exam.
2. Have a UTI? Planned Parenthood can help.
Planned Parenthood offers testing for those who think they may have contracted a UTI. The organization also can provide UTI treatment.
3. Need counseling? Planned Parenthood offers it!
Planned Parenthood offers various types of counseling at its locations. Some offer counseling for exploring pregnancy options and counseling for post-abortion feelings that many women face, which is offered at a discounted rate to college students and is completely free for those 17 and under. Counseling is also offered to those who have been victims of sexual assault.
4. Screening for STDs and HIV.
Keeping confidentiality, you can go to Planned Parenthood to be screened for STDs and HIV, something that can save countless lives each year. Early detection of STDs and HIV allows sufferers to receive treatment sooner.
5. Adoption services.
If you find yourself pregnant and are interested in looking into adoption, Planned Parenthood can help you see if it is the right option for you and refer you to adoption agencies and other services once you come to your decision.
6. Finally, Planned Parenthood is a safe space for vulnerable, pregnant individuals.
If you find yourself pregnant and in need of any sort of help, Planned Parenthood is there to help you. Planned Parenthood is a nonjudgemental safe space for those who have few options in regard to their personal reproductive health.
Why does it matter that Planned Parenthood provides all these services besides abortion? Abortion is a difficult decision that many individuals struggle to make. The image that has been projected by anti-choice organizations is that Planned Parenthood is an abortion factory that exists only to convince pregnant people to terminate their pregnancies. However, that is not that case. Planned Parenthood provides a number of services that are necessary and vital to the health of people all across the country. Without Planned Parenthood, countless vulnerable people would not have resources to take charge of their own health.
