Planned Parenthood nationwide has been the subject of controversy and criticism ever since it was founded in 1916. In more than 100 years of being in operation Planned Parenthood has been the victim of unfair treatment. Many people are ignorant to the actual things Planned Parenthood does for women. Planned Parenthood is not a strictly abortion-only clinic. It offers all kinds of information and resources to women regarding their reproductive health. Planned Parenthood has saved thousands of womens’ lives by giving them PAP smears, which is a test for cervical cancer. Planned Parenthood is so much more than just an abortion clinic.

    The Planned Parenthood website offers a plethora of information on the services it provides. One of the most common things people go to a Planned Parenthood for is for birth control. On the Planned Parenthood website, it explains all the different types of birth control options available for both men and women to utilize. Birth control tends to get stereotyped in a negative light. Birth control is used for so many other things than just as a contraceptive. Many women, of all ages, use birth control to combat painful, and dangerous, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, irregular periods, debilitating cramps either before, during, or after periods, PCOS, acne, PMS, heavy periods, and POI. There are many uses for birth control than just to not get pregnant. Many women with disorders like PCOS or endometriosis rely on birth control so that they can function normally. Planned Parenthoods give women tests for these disorders and give women birth control to help combat them. Doctors who work at Planned Parenthood are also able to help guide their patients in the correct treatment path through referrals to other doctors who may specialize in the care they need.   

    Planned Parenthood also offers STD testing. This is quite possibly one of the most important services that they provide, especially in St. Louis, since according to a Sept. 2017 STLtoday article, St. Louis ranks #2 nationally as the city with the highest rates of STD infection. Planned Parenthood is vital in stopping the spread of STDs. Many people are too ashamed or scared to go and get tested for an STD. Planned Parenthoods offer a safe environment where women can get tested. Many women worry that they may be “slut shamed” for getting tested, when they are actually just looking out for their health and others. Planned Parenthoods are able to offer tests and offer treatment options if the person is positive for an STD. If an STD is not caught early enough, it can be life threatening. Planned Parenthoods also offer birth control options that can prevent the spread of STDs, such as condoms.

    Planned Parenthood also offers abortions, which is why it receives the backlash. Planned Parenthood gets about $500 million in federal funds every year. However, it is important to realize that none of that money goes toward abortion services.

    In Missouri it is legal to get an abortion within 21 weeks and six days after a woman’s last period. Abortions can only be performed after that point of the mother or baby’s life is in danger to proceed with the pregnancy. Gestation periods for abortions vary state-by-state. Many critics state that abortions are unsafe to the woman, which is false. As long as a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist is performing the procedure, there is very little risk to the woman. Things can always go wrong with any medical procedure, though.

    Planned Parenthood provides a bounty of information to women before and after the abortion is performed. They do not take performing them lightly. Planned Parenthood also offers an abortion pill, which can be used up to 10 weeks into the pregnancy.

    I am not trying to advocate that women should get abortions with an unwanted pregnancy, there are consequences to every action, but Planned Parenthood offers services so that women do not have to ever think about getting an abortion. Planned Parenthood offers a safe environment for women to go and learn about their reproductive health and receive services and options so that they can be safe with their reproductive health.