Planned Parenthood is an organization that helps millions of people get health care services at an affordable cost.
Planned Parenthood started in October 1916 as a rebellious idea for women to obtain more information about health and care to help within their own lives, according to the Planned Parenthood website. “Our skilled health care professionals are dedicated to offering all people high-quality, affordable medical care.”
Today Planned Parenthood “… delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide,” according to the Planned Parenthood website. The services offered at Planned Parenthood are both educational and very informative. If one is to visit their website, there are various tabs to choose from to get informed on a certain subject. For example, there is a birth control tab that lists various forms of birth control and the side effects that come with each.
Planned Parenthood has various beneficial services and programs for people to use. However, the facility has been shamed upon because of the abortion services that they do offer. Even though an abortion can be seen as sinful for those who are pro-life and as an option for those who are pro-choice, it still is a very difficult topic to agree upon. Planned Parenthood should not be view negatively because of that service. Many people today go into Planned Parenthood for screenings, contraceptives, and health care because they may not be able to afford a primary physician. According to the Planned Parenthood website, “We have several programs that can make your visit more affordable or in some cases free.”
I personally have been to a Planned Parenthood health center in Bakersfield, which is 1 out of the 600 or more that are in the nation. Setting up an appointment was easy and having everything paid for was a plus. However, the stigma that surrounds planned parenthood was the one thing that made me worry to book an appointment.
I went for a health screening to make sure that I would be able to function accurately with certain medications my primary doctor prescribed. Some ask why I went there instead of back to my primary physician. Well, my primary physician made me feel uncomfortable and unwanted. My primary care physician would run tests and conduct x-rays to tell me things months later because she simply forgot or didn’t think it was that important to inform me about my own health.
Going into planned parenthood made me realize that there are health care officials out there that are supposed to care about how you are feeling and want to build a trustworthy connection. Planned Parenthood provided results right away and made sure to call back or set up a follow-up appointment if needed. The doctors listen to what one has to say and show no judgment toward any information you provide them. They do a good job of making one feel comfortable and safe when talking about difficult, uncomfortable topics.
Sex education is also very important. For those that did not learn enough in school or haven’t had an informative talk with their guardians, Planned Parenthood’s website gives valuable information and has nurses there to chat with if there are questions.
Despite the abortion services offered that raise questions, Planned Parenthood has a wide range of other services that help those who either don’t have the income for a primary physician or those who want a discreet visit.