Planned Parenthood Helps Improve Sexual Education and Birth Control Issue
Planned Parenthood is the American affiliate of the International Planned Parenthood Federation. This institution provides assistance to singles, teens, couples and children, not only for sexual issues but also for many other reproductive health care problems. Planned Parenthood supports sexual education, pro-choice policies and insists on more government coverage in health programs. Given the fact that Planned Parenthood offers surgical abortions on request, the organization is often subject to very heated debates.
The history of Planned Parenthood began in 1916 when Margaret Sanger founded the first American birth control center in Brooklyn, NY. Gradually, the organization became actively involved in supporting women’s sexual rights and choices. At present, Planned Parenthood has over 850 offices all over the US, providing a wide number of services and facilities such as:
-abortion;
-pregnancy counseling;
-birth control solutions;
-emergency contraception;
-medical tests and screening for breast, testicular and ovary cancer;
-pregnancy consultations;
-treatment for STD;
-hormonal treatments for andropause and menopause;
-sexual education and more.
Most of the funds used by Planned Parenthood come from the government in the form of contracts and grants, but there is very intense sponsorship from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which increases the annual budget considerably. Nevertheless, there is also pressure on the government to stop the support for Planned Parenthood, and many for-life organization make efforts in that direction. Planned Parenthood not only supports abortion but also fights against a number of controversial laws.
Planned Parenthood is for total sexual freedom and the possibility to make choices, and therefore opposes all forms of restrictions. Whether it be right or wrong, that is for everyone to tell for his/her part. Yet, it seems that the open discussion of abstinence and birth control methods is far more efficient for teens’ sexual education, and so far, this policy has given good results. If Planned Parenthood manages to reduce the number of abortions and inherent emotional traumas that derive from such interventions, it means that their efforts in favor of efficient birth control are worthy of appreciation.
Moreover, Planned Parenthood presently provides support for the testing of new contraceptives, but they remain controversial for a huge number of reasons. Lots of them have been brought to the attention of the public, yet, many others remained undisclosed. The White House’s policy towards abortion may influence future policies and funds allocation to one side or another. We’ll see to which…
