Perhaps the reason those involved with PPRM are so misunderstood, is that many people have simply been misinformed as to what Planned Parenthood is. People who oppose Planned Parenthood have claims which are so ludicrous that this is the only logical conclusion I can reach. As my final farewell and thank you to this wonderful organization, I would like to do my best to clear up a few of the misconceptions some people have about Planned Parenthood. Maybe this will help bring about some newfound understanding and respect for this amazing institution. And if not, then maybe I can just use some large words and sound like somewhat of an intellectual.
There are many rumors about Planned Parenthood and its affiliates, but since I do not care to repeat false claims, let us focus on and identify a few things that we are. Planned Parenthood is first and foremost a health center providing affordable health care to women, men, and teens. While this is not an exhaustive list by any means, some of the health services for men include: routine physical exams, colon cancer screenings, STD screening, erectile dysfunction services, testicular cancer screenings, prostate cancer screenings, and check-ups for reproductive and sexual health problems. Some services provided to women are annual well-woman exams, breast exams, cervical cancer screenings, fibroids testing and treatment, mammogram referrals, hormone replacement therapy, and menopause / midlife services. Planned Parenthood also provides general health care services such as anemia testing, cholesterol screening, diabetes screening, the flu vaccination, high blood pressure screening, thyroid screening, tetanus vaccinations, and employment or sports required physicals. In 2009 alone, more than 123,000 individuals visited our 29 health centers in Colorado, Wyoming, Southern Nevada, and New Mexico. 345,411 various kinds of birth control were administered, 17,455 annual exams and screenings for breast and cervical cancer were performed, 51,729 STD tests were taken, and 8,735 condoms were given out. Those numbers tell me that people need, want, and most importantly, use the services provided by Planned Parenthood.
Planned Parenthood does more than any other organization in the Unites States to prevent unintended pregnancies. To be exact, 97% of our services are preventative. Planned Parenthood health centers provide unbiased and nonjudgmental information to women facing unintended pregnancies so that those women are aware of all their options – parenting, adoption, or abortion. Our health centers work closely with various social services and adoption agencies in the communities to ensure reliable and safe referrals to women who do choose to continue with their pregnancies. Furthermore, we work closely with many neonatal clinics and refer pregnant women to these centers to ensure they are receiving the best prenatal services.
We are here to be as accessible as possible to women, men, and teens, and are proud of the nonjudgmental, caring, and kind environment we offer our patients. We are here to provide accurate medical information and options and let each individual chose what is best for her or his situation and body. We believe in self-determination of an individuals’ right to choose if and when to start a family. We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality sexual and reproductive health care in the nation. We believe in providing medically sound information to men, women, teens, and families so that they have the proper tools to make the best decision for themselves when it comes to their health and well-being.
I think Planned Parenthood does so much more than the general public realizes. I know I was ignorant of many of the services it provides before I started working here. But now I know. It is my sincere hope that people of the anti-choice slant begin to understand that Planned Parenthood is not filled with zealots wishing to eradicate children, but rather, is a health care service provider just the same as many hospitals and clinics the world over. In my opinion, Planned Parenthood is one of the best. This has been an incredible place for me to spend my time. Thank you Planned Parenthood, and good-bye.
