There are always people who want to argue with me when I reveal that I donate a part of every paycheck to Planned Parenthood. Before anybody says that this really isn't a cause, let me finish.
PP provides free or low-cost services to millions of people every year such as:
-To quickly put down the obvious elephant in the room, abortions only make up 3% of pregnancy services provided by PP (2013). It's important that women have safe access to this service if they genuinely feel like they are unable or not ready to birth a child. There have been too many times that women have been barred from accessing PP, so they had to rely on dangerous methods that left them dead or permanently injured. Yes, I'm pro-choice, but to me, that's not why PP is so important to me.
-Health care access and prenatal exams for women who wish to continue on with their pregnancy as well as education and counseling to prepare themselves for motherhood.
-Factual, unbiased sexual education. Some of the things you learn at PP, even most adults have never heard of. I challenge you to take some time and ask for literature, it will blow your mind even if you already thought you knew your own anatomy. Education is a powerful thing that allows teens and young adults to grow and make better decisions about maintaining a healthy and safer sexual lifestyle. It's important to allow people the right to education about their bodies if that is what they want.
-Contraceptives to teens and adults who cannot afford to practice safer sex. It has greatly reduced the rate of teen pregnancy and unwanted pregnancies by those who do not feel fit to have a child, whether it's emotionally, physically, or financially. In addition, this greatly reduces the risk of contracting and spreading STIs.
-Breast exams, pap smears, STI testing, and other health exams to people who heavily rely on these services provided by PP due to the fact that they do not have health insurance or are under-insured.
-Counseling for rape survivors, gender transition, sexual identity, adoption services, as well on advice on how to seek treatment for serious conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, etc.
There is so much debate and legislation trying to defund Planned Parenthood because of a certain 3% of pregnancy services (pregnancy services, not total services!) To me, Planned Parenthood isn't just for women, but also for men and teenagers of Cis/het or LGBTQ identity. To me, PP has become a cause because there are so many people trying to take away the right to safe, affordable healthcare and education. I'm passionate about PP because they have provided millions each year with the tools to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Health care has become a commodity that so few can afford even with the Health Care Reform Act, many people find themselves under-insured that they still cannot afford to go to the doctor. I choose to donate a part of my paychecks to this cause so that others can continue to access this kind of health care, but also receive the education that will help protect themselves.