The topic of Planned Parenthood does not frequently come up during family dinner discussions and coffee dates with friends for two specific reasons. Reason number one being because of the taboo behind anything sexual in today's society and reason number two being because in the eyes of an average American citizen, Planned Parenthood equates to abortion, no questions asked. In regards to this specific issue, some facets of the entire PP issue need addressing, because the general public does not understand the consequences behind cutting funding or totally eliminating the services Planned Parenthood provides across the nation.

In a perfect world the opinionated and loud mouthed people might research the nonsense they spew before it leaves their mouth, but in fact the world we live in functions in a quite opposite way. Therefore, thousands upon thousands of U.S. citizens run around daily, slamming Planned Parenthood because they only know about one service it offers: abortion. Shocking statistics presented by NPR show that abortion services accounted for only three percent of their overall services. Did you hear that? THREE PERCENT. In the range of numbers, that means that 328,000 services out of 10.6 million included abortions. Did I mention that out of all the federal fundings PP receives, not one dime goes toward an abortion? Wow.

The pie-chart above shows an incredible amount of mind-blowing statistics in relation to Planned Parenthood. While people continue to shame Planned Parenthood, they proceed to offer crucial services to women AND men nationwide in regards to cancer screening and prevention, STI/STD testing, as well as safe and legal contraception. According to a recent article posted by Total Sorority Move, Planned Parenthood actually prevents abortions. Planned Parenthood also majorly impacts rural and low income communities because PP provides safe, cheap, and accessible health care to those in need. Read that one more time, and let it sink in, then try and argue once more that Planned Parenthood needs to be abolished because one aspect of the entire operation does not fit moral standards. That logic runs alongside the same logic of "Well, because one bad politician found his/her way into the government we need to get rid of the entire government altogether." Sounds pretty silly, right? All too often, privileged people do not understand the importance of reliable sexual health care. The luxury of visiting private doctors or an expensive clinic for information regarding sexuality does not extend to everyone, although in a perfect world it might. Until I conducted thorough research, I did not even understand the true impact of Planned Parenthood on lives nationwide.

My personal beliefs do not affect my decision to support Planned Parenthood. I am vehemently opposed to the deletion of any life, no matter the birth status, age, race, gender, or sexuality. The motives behind my decision include basic human decency and a compassion towards my peers. Simply because I am blessed with access to wonderful doctors and plenty of supporting role models in my life to guide me throughout my journey of life, including my sexual health, does not mean that I am allowed to be ignorant towards the worlds problems. It is my duty to stand up and defend those with less advantages in life, and I plan on doing so continually. Abolishing Planned Parenthood will not save lives, only eliminate them.