Planned Parenthood

In the midst of our economic troubles, H.R. 217 was proposed by House Republicans. H.R. 217 would have eliminated the funding of Planned Parenthood. Supporters of this bill argue that because Planned Parenthood performs abortions, funding should be cut off. However, as a former intern, I would like to affirm that Planned Parenthood believes that individuals have the fundamental right to manage their own fertility, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, religion, and other demographic factors. Moreover, Planned Parenthood provides their clients with comprehensive sex education and complimentary health care services; advocates public policies that ensure an individual’s reproductive rights; and promotes research and technological advances in the reproductive health care field.

                Aside from the fact that Planned Parenthood provides services other than abortions, the abortions that are performed account for merely 3 percent of the services that Planned Parenthood provides its patients. Citizens also need to understand that federal funds provided to Planned Parenthood do not go toward performing abortions.  Not only is Planned Parenthood denied the use of federal taxpayer money for abortions, Planned Parenthood is required to provide neutral information about them as well. 

                Instead of focusing on the fact that abortions are one of Planned Parenthood’s services, it is important to take into consideration the number of abortions that Planned Parenthood prevents. One of Planned Parenthood’s goals is to educate people about family planning services, which results in an increase in the usage of contraceptive methods. This increased usage of birth control results in a decrease in the number of pregnancies. By eliminating funding to this type of service, it may result in an increase in the number of abortions performed each year. Moreover, defunding Planned Parenthood would put low-income individuals at risk for a lack of health care services such as STD testing, annual exams, birth control counseling, and more.