Why You Should Be Mad About Congress Defunding Planned Parenthood
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Why You Should Be Mad About Congress Defunding Planned Parenthood

People rely on these services and taking them away takes away the basic human right to choose.

12
Why You Should Be Mad About Congress Defunding Planned Parenthood
Lorie Shaull / Flickr

In the past few weeks, news has come out that Congress wants to federally defund Planned Parenthood, and hearing this makes me really upset. Defunding Planned Parenthood would not only set women's rights back quite a few years, but it also basically says a group, a majority of whom are white men, can dictate what women do with their bodies and where.

This isn't the first time Congress has tried to defund the institution and states, such as Texas, Alabama and others, are passing their own bills to defund Planned Parenthood as well. Planned Parenthood offers abortion services, but they also provide a number of other services for women who may not have traditional access to them.

I'm going to start off with stating what Planned Parenthood does for people other than providing abortions. According to their website, they provide services and outreach programs that aim to prevent unwanted pregnancies. These services can include birth control and basic sex education that may not otherwise be available. They also offer more than 4.2 million tests and treatments for sexually transmitted infections (STI), many of which are for HIV. With all of the services provided, only 3 percent comes from abortions which is a very small number. Finally they offer breast cancer screenings to help with early detection.

So why exactly would this be an issue? Well, the idea to defund Planned Parenthood comes from the fact that they provide abortion services and as stated above, only 3 percent of their services actually comes from abortions. So defunding Planned Parenthood for just this reason, would remove and healthcare institution that many women and young people rely on. Upwards of 4 million people use these services provided to them and getting rid of these places will only limit access to healthcare for many of these people.

After doing a bit of research I found that the reality is that legally Planned Parenthood cannot use federal funds for abortion services. In 1976, the Hyde Amendment was passed which states, "...the use of certain federal funds to pay for abortion except to save the life of the woman, or if the pregnancy arises from incest or rape." Basically this means that Medicaid and other federal healthcare funds cannot be used for abortions. Because of this amendment, women who want to get an abortion at Planned Parenthood has to pay for it out of their own pocket. So, this is why I am mad that our Congress is considering to defund Planned Parenthood because all it would do is take away access from more than 4 million people.

You may not agree with abortions and I get that, because everyone can have their own opinions and beliefs, but defunding this healthcare provider will just end up doing more harm. People rely on these services and taking them away takes away the basic human right to choose.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71163
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133086
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments