Why is the 'left' so obsessed with Planned Parenthood? Furthermore, what is so great about Planned Parenthood that the organization requires federal funding? And, more importantly, how should we all be reacting to this?
If you're anything like me then at some point in your life you have been associated with a specific religion and/or church. Up until college, I attended Catholic school and for the longest time, my class schedule always included one or more religion classes. I remember hearing adults scoff at the words "Planned Parenthood" and signing up to attend the March For Life in Washington D.C. for a number of years. It wasn't until I entered college that I became increasing more aware of how I really felt in regards to religion and learned more about Planned Parenthood and what exactly it is that they do. So, what is it exactly that has the left singing Planned Parenthood's praises? I took it upon myself to find out.
1. They offer a number of Medical Services:
- Abortion
- Birth Control
- Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)
- General Health Care
- HIV Testing
- LGBT Services
- Men’s Health Care
- Pregnancy Testing & Services
- STD Testing, Treatment & Vaccines
- Women’s Health Care
Planned parenthood offers a plethora of affordable medical services to men, women, and everyone in between. However, abortions, which account for approximately 3 percent of services, seems to be the sole argument against this organization that offers so much to people that cannot afford to go anywhere else.
2. Federal funding is important.
In order for Planned Parenthood to help people, they need money, much like everything else on this planet. If the federal government chooses to cease funding Planned Parenthood, many people that rely on its services will be without health care.
3. So how should we be reacting?
The answer is simple. Given that abortions only takes up a small percentage of the overall number of services provided by Planned Parenthood, and that the organization cannot legally use federal funding to pay for these abortions, using it as the sole reason for defunding Planned Parenthood is egregious. All too often, I see protesters outside of Planned Parenthood buildings, blocking entrances and verbally abusing people they see walking in, all waving the same "Pro-Life" flags. This isn't a "Pro-Life" "Pro-Choice" argument. In fact, you are permitted to do whatever it is you wish with your own body. If you don't like abortions, I suggest not donating to Planned Parenthood, and perhaps not having an abortion. In turn, learn to sympathize with people that have/are considering having an abortion because it's not an easy choice. They are letting go of a child for multiple reasons, not simply because they hate children/just don't want to be a parent. Know that Planned Parenthood is willing to offer you care and treatment, should you ever need it. And, if you would like to learn more/see Planned Parenthood continue the work they do, visit https://www.plannedparenthood.org/ and https://secure.ppaction.org/site/Donation2?df_id=12913&12913.donation=form1&s_src=Evergreen_c3_PPNonDirected_banner&_ga=1.55153451.1851952612.1487391608 to donate.
