Planned Parenthood. It’s strange to think that just the name of an organization that does so much good for women’s health could have such a stigmatized aftertaste in the mouths of so many, but the presumptuous society in which we live forces any and all of women’s problems to taste bad, as they are always assumed to have to do with the ‘misuse’ of the only thing that makes them important; the ability to create life.
The words of Jeb Bush (governor of Florida 1999-2007) seem to sum up America’s outdated outlook on Planned Parenthood quite fittingly, “I’m not sure we need half a billion dollars for women’s health issues.” Later claiming that he “misspoke,” it now seems apparent that illiteracy can run in families, and that the habit of rehearsing speeches and answers to possible questions isn’t a requirement to be in office. However, the plan to cut funding for Planned Parenthood isn’t led by just one man, it’s led by almost all of the GOP candidates. Backed by accusations concerning morality, religion, and the alleged (but not proven) ‘harvesting of fetus body parts,’ an entire demographic continues to erase the fact that Planned Parenthood doesn’t just deal with parenthood.
Surprise, surprise, a woman’s existence doesn’t revolve around pregnancy. Issues with STI’s, menstruation, cancer in female anatomy, transgender hormone therapy and surgeries, and even abusive relationships can be brought to Planned Parenthood clinics. Think what you want about the availability of abortions or emergency contraception methods, you cannot deny the fact that providing inexpensive medical care does more good than harm.
However, if we were to assume that the statement above was indeed false, let’s take a minute to imagine a world without Planned Parenthood, a world without inexpensive medical care. Low-income women would not be able to pay for yearly physicals, mammograms, pap smears, desired fertility tests, ultrasounds, and emergency contraception methods, increasing deaths to cancer, unsafe pregnancies, and other causes. Insurance plans may cover some of these medical services, but not nearly the amount recommended. Chances are that instances of unreported rape and domestic violence will also increase, as women will no longer have a safe haven organization that deals specifically with how to help them, and isn’t just concerned with putting the perpetrator behind bars.
Cutting government funding to Planned Parenthood will only make the government responsible for the deaths of women who simply cannot afford any other medical care.