Whether or not you’ve been following the news this year, you have probably heard about Planned Parenthood in a controversial light at some point. The organization, founded over 100 years ago as the American Birth Control League, has grown to provide Americans with much more than contraceptive services. Despite this, there are many groups who are not in agreement with the organization, and oftentimes for misguided reasons. By the end of this article, I hope you learn something that broadened, or even changed your perspective (for the better) about Planned Parenthood.
1. Abortions aren’t the only service they provide
Source: Michael Short, Special to The Chronicle
In fact, according to Forbes.com, they represent less than 3% of the services provided by the organization. In today’s climate, abortions (albeit legal and safe) are synonymous with Planned Parenthood, given media coverage and social media conversations. This statistic is important because much of the controversy surrounding Planned Parenthood and their openness with providing the service stems from some harmful, yet common social ideologies. For example, that, regardless of personal circumstances, pregnancy should be celebrated and carried out full term at all times. After all, the ability to carry and raise children is not only a privilege, but it is a woman’s primary purpose. [Please note the sarcasm in that statement.] Abortion and/or methods of permanent/semi-permanent contraception go against the foundation of those moral stances, and so Planned Parenthood is ridiculed as a group for providing safe options for women. Consequently, the additional services they offer are overshadowed.
2. They offer reproductive and sexual health services for both sexes
Source: melmagazine.com
If this article has been written correctly, the sarcastic undertone of the previous point should have allowed you to deduce that much of the outrage about Planned Parenthood stems from internalised misogynistic microaggressions that have been consistent in society for centuries. For some reason, women having autonomy over their bodies and reproductive health rubs many men the wrong way. The next time you hear a man muttering about why Planned Parenthood is a menace to society, turn to him and say: “actually, did you know that that they provide health services for men too?” When he stutters, aghast and bewildered by this new knowledge, you can go into more detail with even more gusto – “Erectile dysfunction, sterilization, and even prostate cancer screening!” When, stunned by your gall, he glares at you and walks away, you can rest assured that you’ve done your job. Although you won’t singlehandedly eliminate misogyny in your community, there will be one person who will be less emboldened to spew ignorance and fake news.
3. Most general health care services are available
Source: plannedparenthood.org
Not everyone you see entering a Planned Parenthood facility is in need of an abortion, contraceptives, or other reproductive health services. They could be getting a flu vaccine, getting tested for anemia, or doing a physical for a new job or sports team. Planned Parenthood, in its essence, is a healthcare facility with qualified health practitioners who are undoubtedly skilled in general medical areas. The general public is generally unaware of the wide gamut of healthcare services they can receive, or, if aware, are sometimes reluctant to utilize said services out of fear of being stigmatized for being a client there. However, a huge part of destabilizing the dangerous false narratives about Planned Parenthood and its contributions to society comes from actively supporting the organization. We can do this by visibly showing ourselves as an advocate, client, or beneficiary of their services. It counts as representation! More representation creates more opportunities for these necessary discussions about controversial issues in our society.
4. They provide support for the LGBTQ+ community
Source: plannedparenthood.org
Planned Parenthood has long been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, as most centers provide emotional, mental and physical health services for members of the community who face discrimination from many health care providers when seeking even the simplest forms of medical attention. In 2019, they began to offer hormone therapy for transgender patients in 28 states. Along with support groups, service referrals, and additional resources provided, Planned Parenthood continues to be a safe haven for a group of people who are continuously marginalized and discriminated against across the world.
“Planned Parenthood is for all of us because the scope of their services represents the complexities of human health at either end of the spectrum – life, one’s right to autonomy over their own, and the honorable choices one makes to preserve or enhance it.”
5. It provides healthcare for the less privileged members of society
Source:thecut.com
One of the reasons why Planned Parenthood is necessary is that it is a much more cost effective option for many people who can’t afford to get private, specialized medical consultations. Planned Parenthood provides many of its services at a reduced cost (or sometimes free) to individuals or families who do not have health insurance., meaning that there is equal representation for the services provided to a transgender woman, a scared teenage girl, or a man nervous about his status. Planned Parenthood provides a safe space for those who are at risk in society, and gives them the option to improve their lives when they thought there was no hope.
No matter your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or socio-economic standing, Planned Parenthood is for you – for your neighbor, teacher, cousin, sister, or friend. Planned Parenthood is for all of us because the scope of their services represents the complexities of human health at either end of the spectrum – life, one’s right to autonomy over their own, and the honorable choices one makes to preserve or enhance it.
Visit these links if you want to learn more about Planned Parenthood, contact your local clinic, get involved, or donate to show support.