College is the place where you learn how to speak your mind and get heard. For many VCU students, the right to freedom of speech was in full effect as some students held a peaceful protest against the Pro-Life protestors who displayed vial and misinformed pictures of abortions and miscarriages.

As I stopped between classes to hear what they had to say, I became captivated by the fact that there are so many people out there in the world who refuse to think of the bigger picture.

As a pro-choice supporter, I have to address that my opinions may come out at some point throughout this article. I am just here to set some of the facts straight.

People seem to have a clear mindset on what Planned Parenthood is and seem to think that it’s only purpose is to provide abortions for women who want it. This is NOT the case.

Only 3% of services that Planned Parenthood provides are abortions. That leaves 97% of other services and treatments for patients that Planned Parenthood provides and offers to help the people who need help.

Let’s break down the services that Planned Parenthood provide for patients.

45% STI/STD Testing and Treatment

31% Contraception

13% Other women’s health services

7% Cancer screening and prevention

3% Abortions

1% Other services

For over 100 years, Planned Parenthood has been providing general health care, emergency contraceptives (morning after pill), STD testing and treatment, cancer screenings, sex education, birth control, and sexual health for men.

Fox News did a story in 2003 including the details of abortions and percentages of abortions worldwide.

“Of the 1.6 million abortions performed in the U.S. each year, 91 percent are performed during the first trimester (12 or fewer weeks' gestation); 9 percent are performed in the second trimester (24 or fewer weeks' gestation); and only about 100 are performed in the third trimester (more than 24 weeks' gestation), approximately .01 percent of all abortions performed.”

Yes, the article is not entirely up to date but its purpose is still useful. The majority of all abortions performed are during the first trimester. The women who have to go through abortions have to go through a horrible experience that nobody would ever want to go through. The percentage of abortions drops drastically after the first trimester and most abortion cases happen because the health of the child or the mother is at risk.

Late term abortions are not legal in 41 states after 24 weeks except in the case where the mother’s life is in danger.

Only the mother can make the decision on what is best for her. No one else can: Not politicians, not Pro-Life advocates, and not people who think they can tell you what to do with your body because it is your body, not Theirs.

It takes less than a minute to stand up for reproductive rights. Take the pledge to fight reproductive health care and rights and support the millions of women, men, and young people who rely on Planned Parenthood services for their care.

https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/elections/...

I’m standing with Planned Parenthood Action Fund and I’m pledging to do everything I can to elect reproductive health champions in 2016.