Saturday’s Powerball lottery went unclaimed and now Wednesday’s jackpot is expected to reach $1.3 billion, a world record lottery jackpot. All of this money has got me, and the rest of the country, thinking: What would I do with that much money?
I personally can’t begin to picture what that much money even looks like. To be honest, I don’t think I want to know. However, if I am the lucky jackpot winner, I’ll be using my earnings differently than most people.
Of course I would save some of the money, buy my family and friends some nice things and do something for myself (like upgrade my apartment). However, I wouldn’t feel good keeping every penny to myself. I don’t think I could feel good about myself and who I am as a person if I kept it all. Money can’t buy happiness, but it can make a difference.
So where would it go? Two words: Planned Parenthood.
I really admire Planned Parenthood and their mission to provide reproductive and general health care and education to the community. 2.7 million men and women in America visit Planned Parenthood each year for healthcare and general information.
Not only does Planned Parenthood provide healthcare for men, women, and young people across the world, but they educate our communities as well. Information and healthcare regarding sex, pregnancy, cancer screenings, birth control, relationships and STDs are just a few of the many things that Planned Parenthood provides.
The company has come under fire a lot recently, especially because of the presidential debates. Republicans in particular have come to advertise the healthcare provider as a baby-killing company and are trying their best to defund it.
As a woman, this disappoints me. I have never been to a Planned Parenthood or used their services because I have been fortunate enough to have grown up with great healthcare from my parents. However, there are millions of men, women and children who are not afforded the same privilege. Healthcare is a human right. We as human beings deserve to live under a government that prioritizes our health. Planned Parenthood is one of the biggest companies that does this. They put the needs of those who need help and healthcare first with little-to-no cost.
Winning the $1.3 billion jackpot would be amazing for me, and I would have every opportunity to be selfish with all of my winnings. However, I would feel so much better knowing that my money would be going towards serving the community and providing safe and low-cost reproductive and general health care and education to those who need it. That’s the best jackpot of them all.