The American affiliate of the International Planned Parenthood Federation is usually known by the shorter title of Planned Parenthood. This institution offers assistance to singles, teens, couples and children, not only for sexual issues but also for many other reproductive health care problems. It militates for pro-choice policies, sexual education and more comprehensive health programs provided by the government. Given the fact that Planned Parenthood offers surgical abortions on request, the organization is often subject to very heated debates.
The history of Planned Parenthood began in 1916 when Margaret Sanger founded the first American birth control center in Brooklyn, NY. In time the number of services provided increased, and the focus rapidly switched to women’s right in terms of sexual freedom and choices. At present, Planned Parenthood has over 850 offices all over the US, providing a wide number of services and facilities such as:
-abortion;
-pregnancy counseling;
-birth control solutions;
-emergency contraception;
-medical tests and screening for breast, testicular and ovary cancer;
-pregnancy consultations;
-treatment for sexually transmitted diseases;
-hormonal treatments for andropause and menopause;
-sexual education and more.
The government allocates considerable funds to Planned Parenthood, yearly, but there are other private sponsors of the organizations such as Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Nevertheless, there is also pressure on the government to stop the support for Planned Parenthood, and many for-life organization make efforts in that direction. The right to abortion that the Planned Parenthood supports is considered very controversial and there is a number of laws that the organization fights against.
Planned Parenthood is for total sexual freedom and the possibility to make choices, and therefore opposes all forms of restrictions. Whether it be right or wrong, that is for everyone to tell for his/her part. Yet, it seems that the open discussion of abstinence and birth control methods is far more efficient for teens’ sexual education, and so far, this policy has given good results. If Planned Parenthood succeeds in reducing the number of abortions and inherent emotional problems that derive from such interventions, it means that the birth control efficiency of their methods deserves public recognition.
Moreover, Planned Parenthood supports the testing of new contraceptives, but they remain controversial for a huge number of reasons. Lots of them have been brought to the attention of the public, yet, many others remained undisclosed. The White House’s policy towards abortion may influence future policies and funds allocation to one side or another. We’ll see to which…
