 Congressional Threat
to Defund Planned Parenthood is examined
During the spring, of 2011 congressional budget negotiations came down to the wire as Republicans pushed to eliminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood and Democrats fought the effort.
Future Choices examines in the June episode, the cruel impact that defunding would have on Westchester County, one of the richest counties in the nation. And by implication the horrific outcome which would ensue in other, more economically challenged areas of this nation. For all
"What If Planned Parenthood Closed Their Doors?" was the question we posed to five knowledgeable neighbors. Adequately summarizing their responses -- all poignant and pertinent perceptions from their different professional training -- is challenging. See their full answers in the video, but they leave no doubt that dire consequences would befall struggling American families if Congress were to choose to defund Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic. Here is a rundown of some of the perceptions of the hardships we would suffer in this community:
- Judy Myers, member of Westches
 ter County Board of Legislators, notes that the need for medical services would still be there. In Westchester and all across the country the only alternative available to people who normally have gone to Planned Parenthood would be to use the emergency room in local hospitals. That's the most expensive form of medical care that can be provided: emergency room care for non-emergency medical needs.
- Melanie Miller, Pastor, The Church in the Highlands, decries the attempts to defund Planned Parenthood, saying that if that were to happen, it would be "heartbreaking on so many levels." She notes that so many parents rely on Planned Parenthood for the educational services, which would be gone.
- J. Henry Neale, Jr., attorney at law in White Plains, points out that for many people Planned Parenthood is in effect their primary physician. "If you are Medicaid-eligible, 25 years old living in Westchester County and have had a routine test (as per, blood pressure), it was probably done at Planned Parenthood. No one else is providing these essential services.
- Twanna A. Hines, M.A., public health educator for Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic,
notes that "Whether Planned Parenthood is here or not, it does not mean that teens will stop having sex. We help them by teaching them about safe sex (including abstinence) and how to avoid pregnancy."
- Ann Engelland, M.D., adolescent
pediatrician, heaves a long sigh saying that it would be "such a loss for so many people and families." She explains that in her practice, she has long depended on Planned Parenthood as a safety net for special services for many of her patients. She can't imagine where they would go to get the confidential, high-quality help they need
if Planned Parenthood were no longer available to them.
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The Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic Annual Report for 2010
In the current Annual Report for Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic we are told that
"Someone you know has used one of our services."
- Health Care
Gynecological exams
Birth control
Breast exams & self-exam instruction
Prenatal care
Emergency contraception
Medication abortion to 9 weeks
In-clinic abortion to 17.6 weeks
Pregnancy testing & options
counseling
Gardasil® - the HPV vaccine
Testing & treatment of sexually
transmitted infections
Confidential, rapid HIV testing & referral to treatment
Colposcopy
Cryotherapy & LEEP
Reproductive health care for teens
Smoking cessation
Mammogram referral
Mid-life services
Miscarriage management
Mobile medical services & education
aboard Smart Wheels vans
- Educational Programming
and Professional Training Topics
Abstinence
Adolescent Development & Sexuality
Birth Control
Body Image
Contraception/Family Planning
Decision-Making &
Communication Skills
Gender Roles
Healthy Relationships
HIV/AIDS
Human Sexuality
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer Issues
Male Sexuality
Minors’ Rights
Planned Parenthood Services
Postponing Sexual Involvement
Puberty
Reproductive Anatomy & Physiology
Safer Sex
Sexuality Education &
Developmental Disabilities
Sex, Drugs & Alcohol
Sexual Orientation
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Technology, Media & Sexuality
Teen Pregnancy
- Parent Programs
Our Curious Ones: Infants through Children 7 Years Old
Times of Change: Tweens 8-12 Years Old
Now What? Talking with Teens:
13-18 Years Old
On Their Own: Keeping the
Connection: For Parents of High School Seniors & College Students
Parent & Child Chit Chat
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When is Future Choices aired in your community?
See Local TV schedule for time and channel in each participating community in Westchester County.
"What If -- Planned Parenthood
Closed Their Doors?" |
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