“Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women”, (Michelle Obama). Women power half of the United States population. Yet, it is still astounding how little they represent in their opinions, ideas, and beliefs when it comes to public health. Today’s world is populated by the thought of a few that affects many, whom have little say in these effects. Planned Parenthood is a nonprofit organization founded on the belief that all members of society should have legal and political protection of reproductive rights.1 They provide numerous reproductive health services to create a network of support for these individuals. Some services they provide include birth control, long-acting reversible contraception, emergency contraception, cancer screenings, pregnancy testing, sex education, vasectomies, and many other services. However, there exists a strong opposition to this organization on the basis of minute aspects.
Opposition stems from the fact that Planned Parenthood provides abortions, a popular topic that many do not support. Some view abortions as a truly unethical procedure that infringes on life itself. This has driven public demonstrations and governmental policies to attempt to halt any and all federal funding to Planned Parenthood. This, however, is still a baffling reality that comes from a single action that is done by this organization. It has been stated that they are the most significant provider for this procedure, but it is only a subset of their services.3
Out of all the clinics, only half of Planned Parenthood perform this service, and it is also a very small part of their operations. Many people who oppose planned parenthood oppose the fact that one can take a life away through this procedure, yet this force of opposition against abortions is actually taking away the life of two. The woman that has come to terms, through careful thought, that this is the best course of action may now not be able to have this procedure. First of all, there must be a strong reason to have considered this last resort option: may it be it was a truly unwanted, accidental pregnancy or simply a child that the mother is unable to take care of. I have always had the mindset of do what I want and let others do what they want if it’s to their best intentions. Another person’s beliefs and views should not obstruct others in obtaining something that could save their lives. This is not the only case where two lives are affected, both the mother and potential child. In defunding Planned Parenthood, access is restricted to healthcare that may be essential to some women. Contraceptives, clinical testing, and education are among the most helpful resources that are provided. Studies have shown that in areas where funding has been restricted at a local level, pregnancies and births increased and the use of contraceptives decreased.2 It seems so wrong to pry away these beneficial services that allow for a better quality of life and outcome in public health, yet so many people are blindsided by a very small portion of what Planned Parenthood can do.
Restriction of access will be detrimental to many others in the population as well. With fewer women using contraception in addition to less sexual education provided by Planned Parenthood, there can be a higher incidence of STIs, which can spread to many members of the community. Additionally, there can also be an increased amount of dangerous abortions occurring. Limiting the safe access to this procedure will only promote the search for an alternative and much more risky alternative. As such, the defunding of Planned Parenthood with the aim of reducing the incidence of a single aspect of the organization will spiral into a multitude of other problems. Although I may not need these services, and some others may not as well, it is not my place, nor anyone else’s to say that they should not have access to it, especially if their life depended on it. The fixation and the desire to eliminate abortions allows one to justify this rash decision, one that will ultimately cost the public its health.
- Lawrence, Jason. "Legislators, Planned Parenthood debate abortion". The Galveston County Daily News. Archived from the original on May 12, 2011. Retrieved February 14, 2011.
- Stevenson, A., Flores-Vazquez, I., Allgeyer, R., Schenkkan, P., Potter, J. “Effect of Removal of Planned Parenthood from the Texas Women’s Health Program”. N Engl J Med. 2016; 374: 853-860.
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