Planned Parenthood is constantly under threat of being defunded, primarily because of its abortion services. Though abortion is highly controversial (and I’ll try to leave the topic alone as much as possible in the remainder of this article), Planned Parenthood should not be defunded at any point in time, and I'm going to try to keep my argument short and to the point.

Medical services provided through Planned Parenthood goes far beyond abortion. After my assault, I was told to get myself tested. I went to the office through my school, but I would’ve had to wait to take a test and receive information about potential STIs for three days. With panicked tears dwelling in my eyes, I looked at my best friend and asked her if she would go to a nearby Planned Parenthood with me later that day. Only two hours later, I was signed up for free testing and other family planning services and peeing in a cup for the first time in my life.

I walked into a room where a female nurse was waiting for me to take a couple more tests so that they could make sure I was clear of everything. Discussing everything between STIs I never even knew existed, sexual assault, and other Planned Parenthood services, I was more comfortable talking to this woman I had never seen before in my life than I was talking to my usual doctor back home. Within 15 minutes, I was cleared of HIV and in days, I was overwhelmed with the news that I was clear of the other most common STIs in Wisconsin.

Through this personal service, I can assure that Planned Parenthood is not a place full of anti-baby demons or some sort of a bad place. They were able to comfort me in my own situation and I was able to see a handful of other young women leaving the building with smiles on their faces and hope in their eyes.

Not only was I able to learn more about their medical services, but I was able to learn about their education program. Planned Parenthood understands the issues with sex education in today’s school system and provides information to those in need. With pamphlets galore and teachers that are available to go into schools and actually teach students about sexual wellness, Planned Parenthood offers way more than the ever-so-controversial abortion, you just need to know what to look for and keep an open mind to all of their services.