Republicans seem obsessed with plans, or really, any idea with the word “plan” in it. Last week, over 200 Republicans voted to defund Planned Parenthood, basing their argument on oppositions against abortions conducted at the clinic. Now, Democrats and Republicans sit in a stand-off, waiting to see if the government will be shut down over…a women’s right to have control over her own body.

Yet there is hope for the 2.7 million men and women that visit the clinic each year. On Wednesday, Sept. 23, 42 Democrats and eight Republicans voted against promoting the bill. The bill known as S.1881 will strip Planned Parenthood of federal money, while placing that federal money into other clinics who do not offer abortion. So although this sounds like a break for taxpayers, the money will still be shuffled into other areas. And even though abortion is the number one objection; federal money is not used for the procedure at Planned Parenthood.

Planned Parenthood came under attack earlier this year when undercover “potential buyers” video tapped Dr. Deborah Nucatola, senior director of Medical Services for Planned Parenthood, discussing collection of fetal tissue. The video released, which was edited from the over two-hour long discussion, quickly went viral and Republicans rejoiced. The shortened clip leaves out critical information the public was unaware of, including Nucatola affirming that Planned Parenthood does not profit from tissue donation. Every donation requires the consent of the patient.

Campaigns quickly arose, powered by the voice of pro-choice advocates. #Shoutyourabortion rapidly took over Twitter, with women coming forward to share their stories. Activists Lindy West, Amelia Bonow and Kimberly Morrison created the hashtag because, as Bonow states, "I had an abortion at Planned Parenthood last year and it was a great experience. Not only am I not ashamed, but I know I'm incredibly lucky to have access to this choice and we need to keep it that way." Whether you are pro-life or pro-choice, the courage to stand up and tell your story in a world filled with hate is admirable.

84 percent of clients at Planned Parenthood are 20 years old or younger. 750,000 teenage pregnancies happen each year in America alone. If every pregnancy was planned and consensual, that would mean each year 750,000 babies would be born to women younger than 20 years old. Planned Parenthood not only gives these women a choice over their bodies, but helps teach about sexually transmitted diseases, as well as safe sex practices. Even if a woman has decided upon the abortion route, the clinic’s site clearly states that there are other options.

Besides abortion procedures, Planned Parenthood offers STD testing, cancer screening, breast exams, pap screenings, and vasectomies, among many other services. After a rural town in Indiana shut down their Planned Parenthood, which did not offer abortion procedures; an "exploding HIV outbreak" occurred. The clinic allows communities to be aware of sexually transmitted diseases and act on epidemics if they arise.

While Washington DC is in a frenzy over elections, campaigns, and women's bodies, Planned Parenthood urges, "Join us in the fight for commonsense policies that foster the sexual and reproductive health and rights of individuals, families, and communities."