Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood Federation of America is a nonprofit organization that establishes itself on health care, functioning as an outreach program as well as a provider of various medical services. The organization was developed upon the idea that women should have easy, obtainable access to information and care to ensure a healthy life. Planned Parenthood both promotes as well as establishes this motive as the program itself is “...based on respect for each individual 's right to make informed, independent decisions about health, sex, and family planning” (Charity Navigator). Planned Parenthood was founded on October 16, 1916, in Brooklyn, New York by Margaret Sanger and Ethel Bryne. Margaret Sanger was a strong advocate for women’s health rights,

Planned Parenthood is a topic that is continuously discussed in correlation with the concept of money as many believe that it “...emphasizes abortions instead of preventative care” (Attira). Because of birthrights, abortions, and the controversy that surrounds such issues, many individuals believe that the government should not be responsible for providing funding. Therefore, actually defunding Planned Parenthood is often brought up as a solution to the highly-debated consensus of government-funded healthcare services. Although many believe that creating a barrier between opinion and action is a positive push, actually defunding the program would be more catastrophic than perceived. Defunding Planned Parenthood would mean blocking and preventing individuals from receiving the health care that they are reliant on. As a majority of the patients are low-income and living in Medically Underserved Areas, they are dependent on the organization because it is their only source for healthcare. To view in specifics, “In 2013, 78 percent of Planned Parenthood patients had incomes at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty line, which is $36,375 for a family of four” (Four Reasons). A majority of the individuals that are assisted are women of color; 22 percent being Latino and 14 percent being African American according to 2013 statistics. Further so, these two groups

By being a provider and educator, the organization has created a reputation as a safe, reliable source that many individuals can depend on for their health. Nearly 4 of 10 Americans are reliant on such programs and up to 25% of Planned Parenthood patients would be completely without medical insurance if the organization was defunded. Defunding Planned Parenthood was an effort put into effect in Texas of 2011 where it proved to be disastrous for both healthcare providers and their patients. The two-year budget for Planned Parenthood was cut from $111 million to $38 million, which resulted in 82 clinics closing, reduced services and supplies, and ultimately an upcharge for what was available. This resulted in a 36% decrease in IUDs and other implants and a 31% decrease in injectable contraceptives, all because it was limited, too expensive, or too difficult to receive (Willingham). This same effort is being attempted today by Donald Trump and his legislation in order to appeal to his supporters opposed to abortions and the federal funds that they assume contribute to so. Political viewpoints should not cause infliction with basic human rights