Why Cutting Funding for Planned Parenthood is a Recipe for Disaster for Women

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Planned Parenthood finds itself embroiled in yet another tussle with lawmakers over federal funding. Grab your phone and get ready to voice your opinion, because once again, politicians are attempting to strip away essential health care options for women.

Recently, a proposal from the GOP surfaced, aiming to cut $500 million from the organization’s Medicaid reimbursements. Let’s be clear: this money does not fund abortion services. It’s illegal for federal funds to be used for that purpose. Nonetheless, the GOP persists in targeting a vital health care provider that serves 2.5 million individuals every year. This funding is crucial for services like STI testing, HIV screenings, birth control, cervical cancer screenings, and breast exams, among other essential health care needs.

“They keep insisting ‘you can see any doctor you choose’—except Planned Parenthood,” said Marissa Blake, President of Planned Parenthood. “This move essentially tells women, especially those from low-income backgrounds, that they can no longer access our services. The ones who will be hurt the most are women, particularly mothers. They deserve the same right to select their health care provider as anyone else.”

If Planned Parenthood loses funding, the consequences for women will be dire, particularly for those with limited financial means. Judith Larson, a health policy expert at the Center for Family Health Initiatives, emphasizes, “This proposal is especially alarming for Medicaid recipients and jeopardizes decades of progress in ensuring low-income women receive necessary family planning services.”

For many women and families, Planned Parenthood is often the only affordable option available. In some instances, it is the sole provider in town offering the specific health care services they need. “At Planned Parenthood, we’re quick to provide every new FDA-approved method of birth control. We’ve seen an uptick in women seeking IUDs because they are a great option for many moms,” explained Blake. “This way, women have choices. Many other health care providers don’t carry or are unfamiliar with implants or IUDs.”

For some patients, Planned Parenthood is their only chance to consult a doctor, as they cannot afford hospital fees or wait months for appointments at other clinics. “When politicians claim there are plenty of alternatives, that simply isn’t true,” Blake added. “You can’t always afford to wait a month or two for an opening at a community health center. Planned Parenthood is there when patients need us most.”

It’s vital to note that abortions account for a mere 3% of the services provided. If funding is cut, millions could lose access to preventive care, including birth control, STD screenings, UTI treatments, and well-woman exams. “Countless mothers could lose vital maternity benefits provided under the Affordable Care Act,” Blake warned.

Moreover, Planned Parenthood is the largest sex education provider in the U.S. “For many families, having an organization that provides accurate information and resources to communicate with their kids can significantly help prevent STDs and unintended pregnancies,” she shared. “We’re currently experiencing the lowest rates of teenage pregnancy in U.S. history, thanks in part to accessible preventive care and birth control.”

What Can You Do?

Reach out to your member of Congress. It might feel uncomfortable, but making that call is one of the most effective ways to let your representatives know you stand behind Planned Parenthood and the essential services it offers. If you’re curious about more ways to support women’s health, check out this insightful resource on home insemination.

In conclusion, cutting funding from Planned Parenthood would be disastrous for millions of women who rely on its services for critical health care, family planning, and education.