A few years ago, I was driving past the Planned Parenthood clinic in my neighborhood, on my way to enjoy a sunny day with a friend. As I approached, I noticed groups on both sides of the street, waving signs and chanting slogans. On one side, self-proclaimed “pro-life” advocates were shaming individuals entering the clinic for abortions (despite this particular location never offering them, but who needs facts, right?). On the opposite side stood supporters who recognized the essential services that Planned Parenthood provides.
I found myself feeling quite passionate about the situation. It wasn’t just the absurdity of the misinformation being spewed by the protestors; it was also the fact that they were so quick to denounce an organization that plays a vital role in the health of both women and men.
So, to those who oppose Planned Parenthood because of their stance on abortion and the misinformation surrounding “the sale of fetal tissue,” I urge you:
Take a moment to educate yourself.
If funding for Planned Parenthood is cut, where will the countless women and men who rely on their health services turn? An estimated 650,000 women could lose access to necessary healthcare options if this “witch hunt” continues.
Understand this: Abortions make up only 3% of the services provided by Planned Parenthood. The real impact of this organization lies in the comprehensive health services it offers, including contraceptives, STI testing and treatment, breast exams, Pap smears, cancer screenings, and much more. In 2014, for instance, Planned Parenthood clinics across the nation performed vasectomies for 3,445 men.
Now, you might be thinking, “But what about those shocking videos and the selling of baby parts? That’s just wrong!” However, as reported by NPR, investigations have found no proof that Planned Parenthood is profiting from fetal tissue.
The Consequences of Your Uneducated Perspective
The consequences of your uneducated perspective can be severe:
In lower-income areas, women depend on Planned Parenthood for crucial Medicaid-funded contraceptive services. If these services disappear, unwanted pregnancies would soar, which means a much greater long-term financial burden on Medicaid. Do you really want to be part of a situation that increases costs for taxpayers? A report from ThinkProgress suggests that defunding Planned Parenthood could result in a $650 million uptick in Medicaid spending over the next decade. Guess who pays that bill? You.
Once again, I implore you: educate yourself. Seek out trustworthy information from reliable news sources such as The New York Times, CNN, or the Washington Post. Don’t let yourself be misled by ultra-conservative outlets that twist the facts to exert control over women’s choices.
As noted in the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review: “By taking an uncompromising stance against abortion while neglecting women’s access to vital health care, conservatives are making a troubling value judgment. They prioritize their anti-abortion rhetoric over the health of women, effectively stating that our well-being is less important than their ideological beliefs.”
In Closing
I encourage you to learn more about these critical health issues. For additional insights into home insemination options, you can explore this article or check out the informative resources available at Make a Mom and Parents.
Summary
This article urges Americans to reconsider their stance on defunding Planned Parenthood by highlighting the critical health services it provides beyond abortion. It emphasizes the potential consequences of cutting funding and encourages individuals to seek reliable information on the topic.