Today it was revealed that Planned Parenthood sent a video to Congress to dismiss claims that they broke federal laws once and for all. This report states that the undercover videos were seriously inaccurate and very edited. So, here’s all you need to know about the non-profit organization…
In 1916, the first Planned Parenthood was started in New York. It was designed to help young adults, mostly women, take control of their futures and bodies in regards to pregnancies.
It’s a place where young women don’t feel judged for getting birth control or feel slut shammed if they’re going for a STD test or in some cases, an abortion.
Recent data shows that abortion services comprise only three percent of all the services Planned Parenthood provides. The vast majority of what the organization does involves STD testing, contraception and cancer screening.
Regardless of any data, Planned Parenthood will always be known as an “abortion” company and thus will always have a stigma attached. Recently a series of controversial videos were released, regarding the way PP is providing clients with fetal tissue and organs to research. This has caused an uproar due to the fact that selling fetal remains in return for profit is illegal by federal law.
As of now, all claims have been proven false. Planned Parenthood has indeed donated which is legal by law, but never received profit for any tissues or organs.
Planned Parenthood is no stranger to being in the middle of a controversy and the videos have created a media frenzy and everyone has an input. American senators are debating if the organization is worth tax payers money, and with the elections quickly approaching, this has become an extremely hot topic for both the Republican and the Democrats.
Not long ago, Republican senators voted to defund Planned Parenthood, but this didn’t work out for them because of the Democratic vote.
Despite the constant back and forth arguments, this controversy brought much needed attention to the everlasting struggle of women’s rights.
The Good.
Women have been fighting for equal rights for a long, long time. There’s been great progress lately but there’s still a long, long way to go.
When news of the controversy became public, it opened the door for a much needed conversation to take place on women’s healthcare. Frequently, companies will cover up to 25% more male targeted medical procedures than they would cover for women.
It allows families, friends, and the public as a whole not be afraid to mention abortions and allows women to speak freely on their bodies and healthcare.
Although it’s not the best situation for Planned Parenthood, this issue has allowed the organization to reiterate that the purpose is to promote safe sex and allow women to explore different health options – it’s not just a free abortion clinic.
With all the freedom of conversation this debate has brought, it showed an ugly reality that there’s a good portion of the population that still don’t think women should have a say in what happens to their bodies.
One of the most notable quotes on the topic was from Republican nominee Jeb Bush when he asked if “half a million was worth placing into women’s health.” Sadly, he’s not the only one who feels that way. Many people don’t think Planned Parenthood should be funded which many take as people not supporting women’s right to their bodies.
This is an opportunity we can all take to talk about topics that are always have a negative stigma attached. We have the chance to change the world for the better, and give people the freedom to do what makes them feel happy.
