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

Not a touchdown for Women's Reproductive Rights

When you think about commercials that air during high-profile sporting events, like the Super Bowl what comes to mind? Perhaps beer, bimbos, cars, and family values? This past Super Bowl, a controversial ad aired which promoted “Focus on Family,” with Heisman trophy-winning football star Tim Tebow and his mother.


Focus on Family Ad

The ad funded by the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family, touched on Pam Tebow’s difficult pregnancy with Tim in 1987, when doctors advised her to obtain an abortion, due to expected health complications. She did not listen to doctors, and surprisingly gave birth to a healthy child. The ad has a pro-life message. It is controversial because in the past major networks like CBS have refused to air hot-button issue ads, especially during large events.

CBS commented stating "We have for some time moderated our approach to advocacy submissions after it became apparent that our stance did not reflect public sentiment or industry norms," said spokesman Dana McClintock. "In fact, most media outlets have accepted advocacy ads for some time."

This is a new policy for CBS, considering they refused to air an ad in 2004 released by the United Church of Christ, extending acceptance to homosexuals and others who may feel unwelcome in more conservative congregations.

Women’s advocacy groups like NOW (The National Organization for Women) and Planned Parenthood were upset with the coverage. It seemed to give the message of “don’t listen to your doctor.”

I think it’s great that Pam Tebow made a choice that was right for her, even if she did not listen to medical experts. Doctors are not always right, as is proven in this instance, yet their opinion does have value. I think if CBS was going to release such a pro-life ad, they should also air pro-choice and pro-woman commercials, obtaining a balance of opinion in their advertisements.

It is also important to note that if you are pro-choice, you can still have family values. To focus on your family means to make educated decisions about family planning. I respect Pam Tebow’s choice, but also feel like it’s a very personal decision, that only the woman can and should make.

Planned Parenthood released a short ad in response to the Tebow’s. I prefer their ad, because it seems to respect all decisions whether they are for life or choice.



Planned Parenthood's Ad

To air such an ad during a large event like the Super Bowl, only asks for controversial backlash.

What do you think?


Until next post,
G.

A link to Palin's interesting response to the Focus on Family advertisement.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/32187.html