Planned Parenthood- Protecting Health and Reproductive Rights

Planned Parenthood is an organization that has consistently fought for woman's health and reproductive rights. This has often been met with controversy, considering one of the reproductive options provided by Planned Parenthood is abortion and abortion referral (which is interesting because only 3% of all Planned Parenthood's health services are abortion services.)

However, whatever your bias may be, the services and education Planned Parenthood provides to the community are extensive, and go beyond what most people expect.

Planned Parenthood offers SEVERAL services however, to name a few: General health care (including different kinds of screenings, tests, and vaccinations),sexually transmitted infection tests and treatment, birth control services, a variety of male and female health services (from pap tests and infertility testing to cancer screenings), abortions and abortion referrals, LGBT services, and education. To me, this represented a diverse range of needs for all kinds of people, and Planned Parenthood tries to fill this large roll.

Currently there are 840 centers in the United States, and statistically speaking 1 in 4 women will go at least once in her life to a Planned Parenthood facility for some kind of service.

One woman in particular, Margaret Sanger, is largely responsible for much of the birth control liberties, individuals enjoy today. Sanger was born in 1879 and was the sixth of eleven children. She studied to become a nurse, and became extremely interested in female reproductive rights, because she felt that more education would greatly improve the lives of women.

Margaret Sanger
In 1921 Sanger founded the American Birth Control League in Brooklyn, NY which later changed it's name to Planned Parenthood in 1942. She faced much adversity, considering this was very controversial at the time, however she felt that women needed more control over their bodies and their reproductive choices.

Overall, one of Planned Parenthood's largest contributions to society is the promotion of safe contraceptives, as well as emphasizing healthy and intelligent sexual choices. Yet, it has branched out to include several comprehensive health care services, and this should be recognized.

Although it is not without controversy, Planned Parenthood is a necessary haven for both genders alike to receive proper information and to make educated choices about their health. It is necessary in today's society, because it advocates for women and educates the community.

Until Next Post,
G.


Below is a map illustrating the Planned Parenthood locations in the state of Ohio:


View Ohio Planned Parenthood Locations in a larger map