Why Planned Parenthood Is Good For Texas Commentary

I read Robert Anderson’s article, Why Planned Parenthood Is Good For Texas, and I have to say he brought a lot of key points to the surface. Much like what Robert said Planned Parenthood is a business, or shall I say their belief in pro-choice, that causes a lot of controversy amongst different political groups. Being a person who does not identify one hundred percent with either political party, it is tough for me to take a side on abortions should be a choice. However, I do think it is necessary for Planned Parenthood to be around regardless of their stance on abortion.

After doing my research on Planned Parenthood I fail to see how Roberts’s statement on Planned Parenthood is accurate. In his article Robert stated, “However what many fail to see is that abortions are not being done by Planned Parenthood, but in fact by entirely separate corporations.” On Planned Parenthoods website they state it plain as day by saying, “Three percent of all Planned Parenthood health services are abortion services.” This statement proves that Planned Parenthood does offer abortion services, however, they are only offered in certain Planned Parenthood clinics, which by state law, such clinics are not funded by the state.

Planned Parenthood stated it perfectly on their website by saying, “In order to comply with state regulations effective June 1, 2005, Austin Planned Parenthood is divided into three separate but affiliated corporate entities: Planned Parenthood of the Texas Capital Region (PPTCR), Planned Parenthood of Austin Surgical & Sexual Health Services (PPASSHS), and Planned Parenthood of Austin Family Planning (PPAFP). PPAFP is supported by state funds—no state funds are used by Planned Parenthood of Austin Surgical & Sexual Health Services or Planned Parenthood of the Texas Capital Region.” With that being said it is obvious that Planned Parenthoods name backs the affiliation companies. So, isn’t it safe to say that Planned Parenthood does offer abortions, although only at certain locations that abide by state laws and regulations? And doesn’t this knowledge still make conservatives look like idiots because factually Planned Parenthood is not using the state funds for the abortion clinics, but instead are only using them for their Planned Parenthood of Austin Family Planning clinics.

These clinics, not the ones that perform abortions, help hundreds of people a year, and in turn deserve the necessary funding. Planned Parenthood has abided by the rules and kept clinics of controversy separate, so why cut their funding when they are doing it the right way. Just because this company believe in pro-choice, and has unrelated clinics that allow the exercise of pro-choice, does not mean that the state should cut their funding for the specific clinics that are providing so many other services. Planned Parenthood states, “Planned Parenthood provides sexual and reproductive health care, education, and information to nearly five million women, men, and adolescents worldwide each year. Nearly three million women and men in the United States annually visit Planned Parenthood affiliate health centers for trusted health care services and information… Planned Parenthood health centers focus on prevention: 76 percent of our clients receive services to prevent unintended pregnancy. Planned Parenthood services help prevent more than 584,000 unintended pregnancies each year. Planned Parenthood provides nearly 770,000 Pap tests and nearly 750,000 breast exams each year, critical services in detecting cancer. Planned Parenthood provides more than four million tests and treatments for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.” Are the people of our state blind? These clinics are necessary for so many Texas citizens.

By the state cutting Planned Parenthoods funds they are only hurting the people they are claiming to represent. I think Planned Parenthood is doing a wonderful job at keeping the services they provide separate, as well as using the funds, or should I say the funds they use to receive, for what the government intended it for. I think the controversial issue is just that, controversial. People let their own beliefs affect the lives of some many others. I am not one to agree with abortion, however, I do think woman should have the right to choose. So many men simply walk away from their responsibilities as a parent, and are only held accountable if and when the courts get around to it, while woman on the other hand are usually stuck with the responsibility for the rest of their lives. To me this is not fair. I believe that allowing a person the choice, whether I believe it to be the right choice or not, is what makes the American way of life so appealing to others.

Planned Parenthood, like Robert said, is a good organization for Texas. Abortion is only one aspect of what Planned Parenthood represent. The other aspects, which are stated above, should prove just how important the provided services are to the citizens of Texas. One service alone should not outweigh all the good that Planned Parenthood is doing. Their services help so many people many to stay healthy, stay informed, and to have choices!

"Board of Directors." - Planned Parenthood. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 July 2012. <http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ppaustin/board-directors-3727.htm>.

"Planned Parenthood at a Glance." Sexual & Reproductive Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 July 2012. <http://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/who-we-are/planned-parenthood-glance-5552.htm>.