Planned Parenthood Illinois Action

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. Visits PPIL's Roseland Center

2012-01-27T14:03:00.004-06:00

This Monday, we had a special visit from Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. at our Roseland Health Center located at 11250 S. Halsted in Chicago.

Congressman Jackson Jr. helped make birth control affordable to millions of women when he voted to make birth control available to women at no cost under the Affordable Health Act. He stopped by on Monday in honor of the Roe v. Wade anniversary to see first-hand the great work that we do in Roseland.

Our Roseland health center serves some of our most high risk patients across Illinois. 84% of our Roseland patients live at or below the federal poverty level. All patients who visit us at this health center receive services at a sliding scale fee based on their ability to pay.

In fiscal year 2011 our Roseland health center:

Had 8,180 patients visits
Conducted 605 Pap smears
Dispensed 8,695 birth control packages
Distributed 24,176 condoms
Conducted 2,867 STI tests (including HIV tests)

Illinois has some of the highest STI rates in the country. Cook County also has the notorious distinction of being number one in the nation for gonorrhea rates, number two in Chlamydia and number three for syphilis. As a state, Illinois comes in 6th for reported cases of HIV. The teen pregnancy rate in Cook County is also well above the national average.

Though this statics are alarming, we work hard every day to to be there for women, men and teens and to make sure those statistics change.

We would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at Roseland for all their hard work in providing high quality reproductive health care and education.

And a very big thank you to Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. for his support and for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit us! We love support from legislators who will stand up for women's health care!

Call 1-800-230-PLAN or click here to find the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Jessie Jackson Jr., Roseland, Birth Control

Planned Parenthood Illinois Action Celebrates 39 Years of Roe v. Wade

2012-01-26T11:26:00.000-06:00

On Tuesday evening, over 400 supporters gathered to celebrate the 39th Anniversary of Roe V. Wade. Thanks to the efforts of our generous co-chairs, attendees, board of directors, and staff, we were able to raise over $50,000 for our continuing fight for reproductive freedom!

Though it was a night of celebration, we were also reminded of the work that is ahead of us, especially during this important election year. We would not be able to do this important work without your ongoing support.

Planned Parenthood Illinois Action was honored to give the Dr. Marvin Rosner Award for Lifetime Achievement to Marcena W. Love (above) and Richard J. Phelan Profile in Courage Award to Senator Heather Steans (below).

Special thank you to our wonderful co-chairs Fay Clayton, William Marovitz (below), and Laura Tucker.

How can you help? Here are three easy ways you and your friends and family can support Planned Parenthood Illinois Action:

Join the Planned Parenthood Illinois Action network at ppiaction.org!

Vote pro-choice on March 20th!

Make a gift! Call us at 312-592-6800 to speak to our development department or click here for more information.

Save the date! Mark your calendars now for the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Roe V. Wade on Tuesday, January 22, 2013. We hope you will be able to join us!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Roe v. Wade, Pro-Choice, 2012 Election

It's National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!

2012-01-25T12:37:00.002-06:00

As part of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we are urging women to put preventive checkups, including cervical cancer screenings, at the top of their lists.

Every year, approximately 13,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and about 4,000 American women die of the disease.

Worldwide, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths among women. In the U.S., Latinas and African-American women are at higher risk for developing and dying of cervical cancer because they are less likely to have access to early screening and treatment.

“The good news is that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers out there,” said Kai Tao, Vice President of Clinical Operations. “When caught early, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100 percent.”

“Cervical cancer takes many years to develop, so regular Pap tests can help detect abnormal cells early enough to prevent the disease. HPV vaccination before sexual activity begins and regular Pap tests are the best ways to protect yourself against cervical cancer”, added Tao.

Last year, Planned Parenthood health centers provided nearly one million Pap tests, which identified about 93,000 women who may be at risk of developing cervical cancer. We have 17 health centers in Illinois that offer routine cervical cancer screenings and the HPV vaccine, which protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancer. Last year alone, we provided 10,132 Pap tests and 1,781 HPV tests to women across Illinois.

The CDC recommends that girls 11- to-12-years-old get the HPV vaccine. The best way to protect young women from cervical cancer is to make sure they get vaccinated before they are at risk of infection, in addition to routine cervical cancer screening. Vaccination before a person is at risk for HPV infection means vaccination must occur before sexual intimacy. Vaccination must occur before skin to skin contact; sexual intercourse is not necessary for exposure and infection.

Planned Parenthood’s guidelines call for initial Pap screening at age 21; screening every two years for women aged 21–29; and screening every three years for women aged 30 or older who have had three consecutive normal Pap tests and no history of certain abnormalities.

Read these incredible stories about other women's battles with cervical cancer.

Mary B.
During college, I couldn’t afford annual visits at my OB/GYN office. I mentioned this to a friend and she suggested I visit Planned Parenthood for a free exam. After some hesitation I went. I thank God that I did. During my visit they found that I had the first signs of cervical cancer. I was 19 and terrified, but the staff at Planned Parenthood was supportive and understanding. One doctor in particular was amazing, and I wish I could find her and thank her personally. She went out of her way to call and check up on me once a week until I had recovered completely from the procedure that got rid of the cancerous cells.

Six years later I’m healthy and still so grateful for the excellent and compassionate care I received at Planned Parenthood. I am studying to be a nurse now. When I graduate, I plan to volunteer at Planned Parenthood so I can help women receive the medical care that they deserve.

Breanne G.
At 22, I was diagnosed with abnormal cell growth on my cervix wall. Thankfully the cells were caught before developing into cancer. A procedure was performed to remove the abnormal cells and a maintenance program was followed to ensure no new growth had occurred. As a young person, I didn’t have insurance and I sure as heck would never have scheduled an annual exam on my own. Without Planned Parenthood I may have died or lost my ability to have children in the future, among many other tragic consequences of a cervical cancer diagnosis. Aside from these personal effects, as an uninsured student I would have been a huge financial burden to my family and my community.

Planned Parenthood saved my life and the life of my future children and continues to save young women and men who face unique risks associated with the complexities of sexual health. Thank you Planned Parenthood!! I will defend you and support you all my life!

As the region’s most trusted provider of women’s health care, many women depend on Planned Parenthood of Illinois for quality, affordable health care.

Call 1-800-230-PLAN today to schedule an appointment or Click Here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, HPV, Pap Test, Cervical Cancer

Thank President Obama for Protecting Access to Affordable Birth Control

2012-01-20T15:13:00.006-06:00

Today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and the Obama administration announced that they will make no changes to the birth control coverage benefit under the Affordable Care Act.

This decision is based on sound medical science and health policy. It means that millions of hard-working women will have access to affordable birth control, including women who are employed by a religiously affiliated hospital, university, or other religiously affiliated organization that serves the broader public.

The Obama administration adopted the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendation that birth control be covered as a women’s preventive service because it is fundamental to improving women’s health and the health of their families.

Increased access to birth control is directly linked to declines in maternal and infant mortality, as well as other health benefits and positive health outcomes. Among other things, birth control can protect women against debilitating symptoms of endometriosis and can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

Birth control is not just basic healthcare for women; it is an economic concern. This commonsense decision means that millions of women who would otherwise pay $15 to $50 a month will have access to affordable health care. Doctors and public health experts agree that increased access to birth control prevents unintended pregnancies and improves health outcomes for women and their families.

Planned Parenthood believes all women, regardless of their employer, should be able to access the birth control coverage benefit. That’s why Planned Parenthood opposes the current provision that allows religious employers like churches and church associations to deny this important and economically valuable benefit to their employees. We believe the women’s birth control benefit should be available to all women, regardless of health plan or employer.

This policy represents one of the greatest advancements for women’s health in decades and ensures that millions of women will have access to affordable birth control and is a great victory for women and women's rights.

Thank President Obama for Affordable Birth Control

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Affordable Care Act, Birth Control,
Healthcare

Planned Parenthood of Illinois Launches Vasectomy Services

2012-01-04T09:50:00.002-06:00

Is your family complete?

We're thrilled to announce that we are now offering vasectomy male permanent sterilization services at the Near North health center!

No-scalpel vasectomy is a non-surgical procedure providing permanent birth control for men. Since it was introduced in the United States in the 1980's, thousands of men who have completed their families or don’t want to have a child biologically in the future – due to personal preference, a partner’s health risks or the fear of passing on a hereditary illness or disability – have chosen no-scalpel vasectomy as their form of birth control.

“We’re thrilled to expand access to birth control options for men in the Chicago area,” said Carole Brite, PPIL President and CEO, “Vasectomies are extremely effective and are an essential component to providing a full range of comprehensive birth control services for men and women.”

No-scalpel vasectomies are over 99% effective in permanent sterilization. During a no-scalpel vasectomy, the vas tubes that bring sperm from the testes to the semen are blocked through a small incision on the scrotum, preventing pregnancy. There is no change in sex drive, no change in climax sensation and no change in erections.

“No-scalpel vasectomy is a safe and easy outpatient procedure,” said Kai Tao, Vice President of Clinical Operations. “Patients are provided with anesthesia and numbing medication to make the procedure virtually painless. There is little recovery time and most men return to work the next day.”

Sterilization is not immediately effective. It takes 8 to 16 weeks or 12 to 20 ejaculations for the sperm to completely leave the semen. A follow-up test is performed three months after the procedure to confirm sterilization.

Planned Parenthood of Illinois offers no-scalpel vasectomy, including pain medications and follow-up appointments for less than the cost of private doctors and much less than the lifetime cost of contraception for the female partner. Many private insurance companies cover the service. Some men may qualify for further discounts.

We are now accepting patients for no-scalpel vasectomy services. To make an appointment for a consultation call 800-230-PLAN or visit www.ppil.org.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Vasectomy, Vasectomy Chicago

Join PPIA at the Roe v. Wade 39th Anniversary Celebration!

2011-12-22T15:20:00.003-06:00

Planned Parenthood Illinois Action will be hosting the Roe v. Wade 39th Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday, January 24th at Carnivale in Chicago. We hope you can join us!

In 1973 the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision guaranteed a woman’s right to access abortion services. In 2011 we faced unprecedented attacks on women’s health care, access to abortion and Planned Parenthood, itself, by anti-choice, anti-family planning leadership in the federal and state arenas. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action is here to turn the tide and change the faces of Congress and the Illinois General Assembly. In these dangerous times we must protect Roe v. Wade even as we celebrate it.

Roe v. Wade 39th Anniversary Celebration
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
5:30 VIP Reception
6:30 Celebration with food, drinks and music

Carnivale Restaurant
702 W Fulton St.
Chicago, IL
$5.00 valet service available
$39 Individual Ticket
$139 VIP Ticket – Admission to the VIP reception
$390 VIP Package – Admission for two to the VIP reception and listing in the program

Buy your tickets online here! We hope to see you there!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, events

Teens, Know Your Rights!

2011-12-01T14:48:00.002-06:00

Pop quiz – if you’re under the age of 18 in Illinois, which of these can you access without the need for parental consent?
- Contraception and pregnancy testing
- STI testing and treatment (if you’re over the age of 12)
- Abortion care
- All of the above

If you’re surprised to learn that the answer is #4, you’re in good company. According to a recent study by the University of Chicago Medical Center, many teens are unaware of the reproductive rights guaranteed to them by state law. Researchers surveyed a focus group of teen girls with a median age of 15 and found that 40% were unaware of their ability to obtain contraception without a parent and 18% didn’t know that they could obtain STI services – and a whopping 60% didn’t know that they could obtain abortion care without parental permission. While the authors of the study acknowledged that their respondents aren’t a representation of all Illinois teens, the survey’s findings still show that more can be done to educate teenagers on their reproductive rights.

While we here at Planned Parenthood firmly believe in the importance of parent-teen communication when it comes to sex, we also believe that it’s important for teens to know what they’re entitled to in terms of their reproductive health. These laws are in place in order to protect teens and to ensure timely health care access. A lack of knowledge is one of the biggest barriers teens face when it comes to caring for their health – and one that’s easily fixable. Parents, talking to your kids about how to make smart, healthy sexual decisions can make a big difference. And teens, why not brush up on your knowledge of reproductive rights? Planned Parenthood is here to help. Check out our education department to learn more.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, teens

Our servicewomen protect our freedom - it's time to return the favor.

2011-11-29T16:04:00.000-06:00

Sexual assault has long held a unique place in our nation’s abortion debate – all but the most extreme anti-choice politicians will concede that abortion in the case of rape is a right that ought to be protected.

But while the mainstream American public may consider it an essential freedom, women in military uniform – those who dedicate their lives to fighting for a different type of freedom – are not granted equal access to abortion after sexual assault. According to an article in the Boston Globe, members of the military are the only category of federal employee whose insurance does not cover abortion in instances of rape or incest, even as rape remains an alarming problem within the armed forces. According to the Service Women’s Action Network, an estimated 19,000 instances of sexual assault occurred in the military in 2010 alone.

Fortunately, the US Senate is poised to take up a bill with the power to end this discrimination against American servicewomen by their own government. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire has proposed an amendment to the 2012 defense appropriations bill expanding medical coverage for military women to include abortion for victims of rape or incest, closing a loophole that has been allowed to remain on the books for far too long. While military authorities have a long way to go in fixing the larger problem of sexual assault among men and women in uniform, Sen. Shaheen’s amendment is an important step towards addressing the needs and rights of military women they deserve.

We at Planned Parenthood call upon members of the US Senate to give women in the armed forces the same rights as the civilians they protect. We encourage you to do the same – click here to send a message through the ACLU to your elected representative!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, abortion

Planned Parenthood gives thanks to our volunteers

2011-11-24T21:39:00.000-06:00

The time between last year’s Thanksgiving and this one has been an interesting ride for Planned Parenthood, to say the least. The past 12 months have seen a nonstop legislative assault on women at all levels of government, making this one of the most difficult times in our organization’s history.

Which is why, as we take time to give thanks this week, we’re more grateful than ever for you, our incredible supporters and volunteers. While we can’t begin thank you enough for the support you give us every day, we’re going to try our best:

Thank you for standing strong in the face of unprecedented challenges. Thank you for raising your voices loud and clear for women and against attacks on their health. Thank you for signing our petitions and attending our rallies, whether they be to pass sex education legislation on the state level or protect birth control nationwide. Thank you for your 1,102 postcards to legislators, your 11,047 volunteer hours, your 1,373 campus activities, your 35,619 phone calls activating supporters, the 453 doors you’ve knocked on, and the 35,000 new supporters who’ve joined our ranks this year. Thank you for showing us – and the world – that the Planned Parenthood family is stronger than ever.

The numbers alone say enough about how lucky we are to have you standing with us. But to put those numbers in perspective, here’s what all of your hard work has allowed us to accomplish this year:

- Expand our health services. Over the past year, we’ve introduced the nonsurgical permanent birth control Essure in our Aurora center, increased access to long-lasting methods such as the IUD and Implanon, expanded our cancer screening services and began offering ella, an FDA-approved emergency contraception pill.

- Upgrade our health center facilities. In September, we unveiled a new and improved Wicker Park center, renovated to accommodate more patients than ever, and have launched plans to do the same for our center in Champaign.

- Improve access to care. This past year saw a spike in enrollment in the Illinois Healthy Women program for African American and Latina patients, up 64% from 2010. With a greater need than ever for affordable care for low-income women, we’ve remained committed to our role as a quality health care provider for all.

- Improve young people’s health education. We worked with Chicago Public Schools’ Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative, held Teen Clinic Days for our community education staff to work with teens directly. Our teen volunteers were active themselves, with central Illinois’ Teen Awareness Group providing peer education, participating in lobby days and letter-writing campaigns, and even attending PPFA’s Public Policy Conference in Washington, DC this past July.

From all of us here at Planned Parenthood of Illinois to you, have a wonderful Thanksgiving – you deserve it!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Thanksgiving

CDC report highlights the importance of GYT

2011-11-22T15:58:00.000-06:00

The CDC's latest annual report on sexually transmitted infections, released this week, contains both good news and bad news about the state of STIs in 2010.

The good news is that the year saw rates of syphilis fall for the first time in nearly a decade. The bad news is that STIs still remain a significant problem in the US, with 19 million new infections each year (at a cost of $17 billion dollars to the health care system). Gonorrhea and chlamydia, the other two infections measured in the report, haven't followed syphilis' pattern. Rates of gonorrhea rose slightly, while chlamydia saw an uptick consistent with its rising rates over the past 20 years. While much of chlamydia's increase is due to a higher rate of screening, fewer than half of all sexually active women have ever been screened at all, an indication that rates for the disease are higher than reported.

Just as worrying as these trends are the disparities they reveal. While syphilis may be on the decline overall, its rate of infection among young gay African American men has more than doubled, following the same pattern as the rate of HIV infection. African Americans and Hispanics carry a disproportionate burden for STIs in general, with rates far higher than those of whites. Young people aged 15-24 are similarly at risk, accounting for half of all new infections even as they represent only a quarter of sexually active people in the United States.

Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of the CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, was quoted on these disparities:

"It's really what these represent in terms of differences in health insurance coverage, employment status, in ability to access preventive services or curative services. These are all factors which are going to have a huge impact on communities as well as individuals who are vulnerable to acquiring STDs or not getting them diagnosed early."

Here at Planned Parenthood, we're dedicated to increasing access to affordable, quality care, including STI education, screening and treatment, regardless of ability to pay. We've touted the message of GYT (Get Yourself Tested) before, and we'll do it again - the best way to protect yourself and others is to know your status. To make an appointment, click here or call 800-230-PLAN.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, STIs

Ask the President to stand strong on birth control!

2011-11-17T15:22:00.000-06:00

When the first Planned Parenthood clinic opened its doors in 1916, birth control was not only contentious, but legally banned. Women had no autonomy over their bodies or the size of their families, and those who tried to change the status quo by providing contraception and information – including Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger – were often arrested and jailed.

Thankfully, a lot of things have changed for women since then – women can vote, sign contracts, have their own bank accounts, and initiate a divorce, to name a few. Perhaps most importantly, women can space and limit the number of children they have, cutting down sharply on maternal and infant mortality rates. We’d be hard-pressed to find someone out there who wouldn’t consider this progress.

Or so we thought, anyway. It seems that many of today’s lawmakers and religious leaders are trying their best to bring women back to that time of restricted rights.

First it was November 1’s House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing. Rep. Joe Pitts (yes, that is the same Joe Pitts of anti-woman “Protect Life Act” notoriety), chairman of the subcommittee, convened the hearing to allow himself and fellow anti-choice legislators to speak in opposition to the recent Health and Human Services decision requiring birth control coverage without co-pay, which extends its benefits to all women regardless of income level.

Then it was the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which over the last few weeks has ramped up its pressure on President Obama to expand the already existing coverage exemption to disastrous new limits. While churches and other religious institutions are already exempt from including birth control in employee health plans, the bishops are now calling for the same to apply to Catholic hospitals, charities, schools, colleges and universities – a change that would leave millions of women without coverage for contraception, regardless of their religious affiliation. These are nurses, teachers, janitors, and other workers who should not be discriminated against and denied a benefit that the vast majority of Americans will receive. There is already an unfair refusal provision in the women’s preventive benefit, which health advocates strongly oppose.‪‪

We think that Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards said it best in her piece this week for the Huffington Post:

“99% of women in the U.S. who have been sexually active have used birth control. It's used by women of every demographic, every geographic location, every income level – and every religious group.”

So, to Rep. Pitts and his allies, here are a few things you should know, courtesy of that other 99%:

By fighting to take away birth control, you’re fighting against something that benefits millions of the women and families. You’re fighting to take away something that the Institute of Medicine has linked to improved maternal health and that the American Medical Association has recognized as an integral part of medical practice since the 1930s. You’re fighting against one of the best tools we have to cut down on unintended pregnancy, which more than half of all American women will experience by age 45.

Anti-women leaders have made their voices heard, and now women and women’s health advocates need to do the same. Planned Parenthood calls on supporters to stand up for birth control and urges President Obama to stand strong for this essential part of preventive care. If you are one of the 71 percent of Americans who supports health plans covering birth control without co-pay, click here to send a letter to President Obama!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, birth control

Bedsider: A new resource center for birth control information

2011-11-15T16:21:00.001-06:00

As you already know, we here at Planned Parenthood firmly believe that birth control is an essential part of basic health care for women. But we also know that between the pill, the patch, the ring, the IUD, the male condom, the female condom and the diaphragm – to name a few – birth control can sometimes seem anything BUT basic.

Luckily, a new online tool was launched this past week to help women aged 18-29 untangle the often-confusing world of birth control options. Bedsider, an application by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, helps women both to choose which method works best for them and to lean how to use their chosen method correctly and consistently. Each method of pregnancy prevention – including abstinence and emergency contraception – has its information broken down by effectiveness, side effects, effort, cost and accessibility, as well as tips and videos from real people who’ve used it in the past.

One you’ve got your method picked out, Bedsider allows you to make a personalized account, which you can fill in with reminders for doses or doctor’s appointments. Still want to learn more? Check out the section on sex fact and fiction or the one on birth control media coverage, or read “Frisky Fridays,” Bedsider’s weekly column on “sex, life, love and kicking ass" - and to see some truly hilarious PSA videos, click here.

Given that over half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, simply using birth control clearly isn’t enough. What’s important is using it correctly and consistently - and right now, that's a feat often easier said than done. We urge all women to brush up on their birth control knowledge, talk to their doctors and their partners. To meet with a health care provider about your birth control options, book an appointment at your local Planned Parenthood health center.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Bedsider

Attention 2012 Candidates: Women Are Watching

2011-11-10T13:57:00.002-06:00

Mitt Romney: “As President, I will end funding for abortion advocates like Planned Parenthood.”

Gov. Rick Perry: “Roe v. Wade is nothing more than a shameful footnote in our nation’s history books.”

Rep. Steve King: “We will one day see an end to the ghastly and ghoulish and gruesome procedures that are sometimes described as women’s health services. They are not, and they are not good for women’s health either.”

These are just a small representation of the anti-woman rhetoric that these three have spouted over the course of their political careers – and they, in turn, are a small representation of the candidates and elected officials working to roll back women’s health. For years, we’ve been listening to politicians try their hardest to convince the public that a nation more hostile to women is, somehow, a better one.

Well, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund is here to deliver a message to all those running for office in the 2012 elections: We, along with the women of America, are far from convinced. And we’re watching you.

This past Tuesday marked the debut of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s newest campaign, Women are Watching. Now that we're only a year out from Election Day 2012, candidates from both parties need to know that the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and our supporters are fed up with the seemingly unending barrage of legislation against women’s health and we plan to make our voices heard all the way through this year and into the voting booths. We are watching because women deserve elected officials who care about their health and their lives, and we are watching so that we can think, act and vote to protect the health of our family, our friends, our neighbors and ourselves. Visit www.womenarewatching.org to sign the pledge to do the same!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Women Are Watching

Victory in Mississippi!

2011-11-09T09:44:00.003-06:00

Like many others around the country, we at Planned Parenthood of Illinois were waiting anxiously to hear the results of Mississippi’s vote on Amendment 26 (otherwise know as the “Personhood Amendment), a dangerous state ballot initiative that would extend to all fertilized eggs the same legal rights as the living, breathing women who carry them. We are thrilled to announce that Amendment 26, has been defeated!

People from clergy members to medical professionals to anti-choice politicians denounced the ballot initiative, recognizing it as a misguided and dangerous effort that would have done far more harm than good to the people of Mississippi. Planned Parenthood is thrilled that voters stopped this effort in its tracks.

Mississippi voters rejected the so-called ‘personhood’ amendment because they understood it is government gone too far, and would have allowed government to have control over personal decisions that should be left up to a woman, her family, her doctor and her faith, including keeping a woman with a life-threatening pregnancy from getting the care she needs, and criminalizing everything from abortion to common forms of birth control such as the pill and the IUD.

This is an amazing victory for women's health! And we couldn't have done it without your support. Thousands of supporters across the nation made calls to Mississippi voters telling them to vote NO on November 8. A special thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who made calls from Illinois - you have made a big difference to women in Mississippi!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, No On 26

Thank you, Governor Quinn!

2011-11-03T16:37:00.000-05:00

In a political climate currently dominated by anti-choice rhetoric and legislative assaults on women’s health, it takes true integrity for a politician to stand up for women and advocate for the rights of his or her female constituents.

Luckily for us in Illinois, we have a champion for women’s health in Governor Pat Quinn, who recently made the decision to present an award at an upcoming event for Personal PAC, an organization dedicated to supporting pro-choice candidates in state elections. The award will be presented to a rape survivor and victim advocate who was courageous enough to share her own story in order to help others. We commend both Gov. Quinn and Personal PAC’s awardee for their dedication to protecting women’s health.

Unfortunately, there are some who condemn these efforts rather than offer the praise they deserve. The Catholic Conference of Illinois yesterday released a statement by the state’s bishops condemning Gov. Quinn for his work and Planned Parenthood for ours.

What the statement neglects to mention, however, is the urgent need for the work that we do. By supporting organizations such as Planned Parenthood, Gov. Quinn is supporting access to essential reproductive care for thousands of men and women each year, many of who have no other place to go. He is supporting the preventive services that make up more than 90% of our work, including contraceptive services, STI prevention and treatment and lifesaving cancer screenings. And in supporting Personal PAC, he is committing to protect this access against the anti-choice politicians who have of late become all too common.

We are extremely disappointed in the Bishops’ statement and in their belief that standing up for women is anything less than laudable. Governor Quinn, thank you for being a true champion of women’s health care! Please join us in thanking Governor Quinn by sending him an e-thank you letter!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Pat Quinn

Tell your representative to vote YES on HB 3027!

2011-11-01T15:49:00.006-05:00

Many of the ideas we promote here at Planned Parenthood can be boiled down to a simple cause-and-effect, "if-then" formula. For example:

If a person uses condoms during sex, then that person is at much lower risk for an unplanned pregnancy or an STI.

If a parent talks openly with his or her child about sex, then that child is much more likely to make healthy and positive sexual decisions.

And if a public school in Illinois offers sexual health education in grades 6-12, then the curriculum should be medically accurate as well as developmentally- and age-appropriate.

That last one is the aim of HB 3027, a bill that will be taken up for consideration by the Illinois House of Representatives – and one that our state desperately needs. Currently, Illinois does not require any comprehensive sex education to be taught in its public schools, meaning that not all youth are receiving accurate medical information.

Some students, of course, are lucky enough to be in classrooms where accurate, honest information is the norm. But then there are the students who aren’t so lucky – and their lack of access to essential health information has played a hand in giving Illinois its terrible report card in sexual health. We currently rank 18th out of all states in teen birth rate, 6th in rate of HIV transmission, and 3rd for infections of chlamydia and gonorrhea.

One of the best tools we have in the fight to reverse these trends is the young people who call Illinois home. By empowering them to make sexually healthy decisions, we can cut down on rates of unintended pregnancy, HIV and other STIs – but that can’t happen without the necessary knowledge. Take action today and tell your representative to support HB 3027!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, sex education

Reproductive Rights are Human Rights

2011-10-28T14:09:00.003-05:00

Did you hear that? That was the sound of Planned Parenthood giving the United Nations a giant high five. This past Monday, the UN released a report telling the world what we’ve been saying all along – that restrictions on abortion and contraception are not only dangerous to women’s health, but also a violation of basic human rights.

Based on years of legal analysis and discussions with human rights experts and written by Anand Grover, a UN-appointed authority on public health, the report calls out backwards anti-woman policies enacted under the name of “public morality”:

“When criminal laws and legal restrictions used to regulate public health are neither evidence-based nor proportionate, States should refrain from using them to regulate sexual and reproductive health, as they not only violate the right to health of affected individuals, but also contradict their own public health justification.”

To put it simply – laws banning abortion don’t actually succeed in banning abortion. What they do succeed in doing is forcing women into unhealthy and unsafe situations that jeopardize their well-being, their families and even their lives (ahem, Mississippi). For policy that’s essentially ineffective in what it tries to do, a ban on abortion carries a heavy price. And don’t even get us started on the twisted logic behind restricting contraception, education and sexual health services, an action that achieves nothing more than the disempowerment of the women it claims to protect.

Unfortunately, this situation is currently the reality for a quarter of the world’s female population. Abortion is forbidden in all cases in eight nations and severely restricted or punished in many more. Access to contraceptive services and sex education are, for many women and girls around the globe, difficult or impossible to obtain. And disturbingly, several lawmakers right here in the US are doing their best to bring this reality home.

Here’s hoping that all member states of the United Nations – the US included – heed the warnings and recommendations of this report. Planned Parenthood calls upon lawmakers across the country and the world to work on building a future in which women are respected, trusted, and given the rights they deserve.
Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, human rights

HPV prevention - not just for girls anymore

2011-10-25T15:02:00.002-05:00

Few health issues have caused so much controversy over the last few months as the HPV vaccine, which has gotten itself a nasty (and, more importantly, blatantly false) reputation on the Republican presidential campaign trail as a green light for teen sex and even as a cause of mental illness.

It’s a good thing our current government has the common sense not to buy into these ignorant claims. In particular, we want to give kudos to the CDC, whose Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted today to add the HPV vaccine to its list of recommendations for boys.

The committee chose unanimously to recommend the vaccine for boys aged 11 and 12, mirroring the same age recommendation that the CDC has in place for girls. The decision marks a step up from the CDC’s previous stance on the issue – while the vaccine has been FDA-approved for boys for some time now, today marks the first time that it will be actively promoted as opposed to simply allowed.

News from the medical world shows that the decision was long overdue. According to a study published this month, HPV is the leading cause of throat and oral cancers, both of which are on the rise. That’s on top of its links to genital warts, anal, penile and vaginal cancers, most cases of cervical cancer, and even heart disease – and the fact that HPV is the most common STI by a landslide, affecting over half of all sexually active adults at some point in their lives.

With a list like that, it's clear that the CDC’s decision couldn’t be a better one – HPV doesn’t discriminate between men and women, and neither should parents and young people who care about their health. At Planned Parenthood, we believe that prevention is the best form of health care, which is why we offer the vaccine to people of all genders at our health centers. Book an appointment today to protect yourself or your child from HPV or to talk to a health care provider about whether the vaccine is right for you.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, HPV

Be a Leader. Change the World. Volunteer.

2011-10-21T15:38:00.003-05:00

Here at Planned Parenthood, we love our volunteers. We depend on our dedicated activists and volunteers to promote and protect reproductive rights and freedom in Illinois. Our volunteers devote countless hours of service every year and Planned Parenthood wouldn't be what it is today without them!

Why don't you join us in hitting the streets, phones and mailboxes of pro-choice supporters to ensure that choice is protected in our state? To learn more about our volunteer program, send us an email at volunteer@ppil.org or click here to see a list of volunteer opportunities.

Check out this cool chart of information from the Corporation for National and Community Service. See what volunteering in 2011 looks like in terms of numbers.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, volunteer

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2011-10-20T15:11:00.001-05:00

Football fans out there may have noticed something unusual on the field in recent weeks – the wave of pink making its way into players’ uniforms. No, the NFL-wide costume change has nothing to do with Halloween. But it does have to do with something often considered to be just as scary – breast cancer, the disease that affects more than 230,000 new women and men in the United States each year.

One of the most frightening things about breast cancer, though, is the amount of misinformation out there about who’s at risk and how to prevent it. Luckily, a recent article from the Chicago Tribune helps to separate fact from fiction. Here are a few of the most common misconceptions they cited:

Myth: All breast lumps are cancerous.
Fact: 8 out of 10 breast lumps are benign (not cancerous).

Myth: Only “old” women get breast cancer.
Fact: 25 percent of women with breast cancer are younger than 50.

Myth: If no one in your family has breast cancer, you won’t get it.
Fact: Only 15 to 20 percent of women with breast cancer have a family history of the disease.

The prevalence of these myths is one of many reasons that women put off their recommended breast cancer screening, a quick doctor’s visit that could yield a potentially lifesaving result. Early detection through breast exams and mammograms is key to finding and stopping cancer at its most treatable stage.

The NFL may be donning pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month only, bur Planned Parenthood is here to help year-round. Call your local health center or make an appointment to find out about cancer prevention, breast health, and the services available to you.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, breast cancer awareness

Where in the world is Planned Parenthood?

2011-10-18T14:35:00.000-05:00

One out of every five women in the United States has visited a Planned Parenthood health center at some point in her life. With a statistic like that, it’s easy to conceive of the impact that our health care, education and advocacy efforts have on people you see and interact with each day.

But the part of our work that more often goes unnoticed is the part that’s happening ten time zones and thousands of miles away. When we say that Planned Parenthood works to protect the health and rights of women everywhere, we really do mean everywhere – which is why last week marked the launch of Planned Parenthood Global, an initiative dedicated to building partnerships with and providing support to like-minded organizations in developing countries.

“We are an incubator, seeking innovative solutions from our partners on the ground and helping those ideas grow into national advocacy and health care campaigns,” said Latanya Mapp Frett, Planned Parenthood’s Global Vice President.

Planned Parenthood’s global reach began in 1971 as Family Planning International Assistance (FIPA), a program funded by USAID to improve reproductive health in dozens of countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. When the global gag rule dissolved FIPA in the 1980s, Planned Parenthood was forced to scale back its international programming, focusing on Sub-Saharan African and Latin American communities with the greatest unmet need. And now, as our international activities enter their fifth decade, Planned Parenthood has revamped our mission once again to focus on implementing programs that can successfully be replicated and scaled up across cultures.

So while we work hard to make sure you can see the impact of Planned Parenthood and the work that we do to keep women healthy here in Illinois, we think it’s important to tell you a little bit about what’s going on a few continents over. In northern Nigeria, for example, Planned Parenthood Global works with local religious leaders to promote contraceptive use to their congregations, breaking down the stigma that community members often attach to reproductive health care. In Kenya, we partner with a club that organizes soccer games for girls, helping them to integrate lessons on HIV and pregnancy prevention into team meetings. And in Peru, we help a local rainforest preservation group train health outreach workers in family planning methods, increasing access to reproductive health services in hard-to-reach communities.

As part of the program launch, Planned Parenthood Global has released “Health Has No Borders,” a brochure that tells the stories what we’re up to in these communities and several more around the world. To learn more, check out the online version here.

To sign up for the Planned Parenthood Global newsletter, click here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Planned Parenthood Global

CDC reports teen condom use is on the rise

2011-10-18T10:19:00.000-05:00

The Center for Disease control released some encouraging news this past Wednesday in its National Survey of Family Growth, reporting that condom use among teenagers is on the rise. Eighty percent of teen males surveyed said they had used a condom during their first sexual experience, a nine percent increase from the last NSFG survey in 2002. The survey also found an increase from ten to sixteen percent in teens who reported using a dual method of protection, such as condoms used in conjunction with the birth control pill.

The CDC’s good news is consistent with related trends in recent years, such as the decrease in national teen pregnancy rates. Despite these positives, however, there is still work to be done. Or as Planned Parenthood Vice President of Education Leslie Kantor said in a statement today, “This is no time to become complacent.”

Here’s why. The United States still has the highest rate of teen pregnancy of all developed countries, and the risks associated with sexual activity are especially high among certain minority groups. African-American females are less likely to use birth control the first time they have sex, while Hispanic males are more likely to forego condoms. In addition, teens whose sexual partners are more than four years older are much less likely to use any form of contraception at all.

Planned Parenthood is committed to tackling and one day eliminating these problems. Our educational programs and health center services give teens access to the information and care they need to stay healthy and safe, and teach parents learn how to support their teenage children in maintaining their health.

To learn more about Planned Parenthood’s educational programs in your area, click here – because while eighty percent condom use the first time is great, one hundred percent all the time is even better.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, condoms

Senator Durbin Receives International Family Planning Hero Award

2011-10-17T15:44:00.003-05:00

This morning, Planned Parenthood, the United Nations Foundation (UNF), Congressman Mike Quigley, Representative Barbara Flynn Currie and more than 100 constituents honored Senator Dick Durbin with the International Family Planning Award.

Senator Durbin received this award from PPFA, PPIL and UNF for his leadership in supporting funding for international family planning programs and women's health care across the globe. Senator Durbin has stood for election more than 12 times in the House and Senate as pro-family planning - he always does everything in his power to preserve the right of women to access affordable, preventive health care.

"Senator Durbin is an unparalleled champion of women's health care," said Carole Brite, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois. "We're proud to have a leader in our home state who is committed to improving women's access to affordable, preventive health care,"

Senator Durbin addressed the event attendees about the importance of supporting family planning around the world:

"International family planning is fundamental to improving the health and livelihood of women and their families around the globe," said Senator Durbin. "These programs also increase stability and spur development in some of the world's poorest communities, helping us also achieve important development and security goals."

We couldn't have said it better ourselves. Thank you for everything you do, Senator Durbin! We look forward to continuing to work together to increase access to women's health care here and across the globe.

(From left): Timothy Wirth, President, United Nations Foundation, Carole Brite, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood of Illinois, Senator Dick Durbin, Robert Gallucci, President, MacArthur Foundation, Lyn Schollett, Vice Chairperson, Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, United Nations Foundation, Durbin

Happy 95th birthday, Planned Parenthood!

2011-10-16T19:47:00.004-05:00

On October 16, 1916 a small clinic opened in Brooklyn, New York to provide local men and women with contraception and birth control information. In the decades since that day, that same clinic has grown into the nation’s leading women’s health care provider and advocate, serving millions of men, women and teens each year.

And now, here we are, 95 years old and still talking about sex.

But we’ve been doing much more than talking – Planned Parenthood has been around for a lot of changes in these past 95 years. Since the days of that small Brooklyn clinic, Planned Parenthood has worked tirelessly to give women of all walks of life access to family planning services. We were a key player in the development of both the birth control pill and the IUD, and it was a Planned Parenthood suit that struck down state laws forbidding contraception within marriage with Griswold vs. Connecticut. The services we’ve provided over the years to help women plan and space their pregnancies have led to dramatic improvements in maternal and infant health, a plummeting infant death rate, and a world of increasingly diverse educational, political, social and professional opportunity for women.

Today, more than five million women, men and teens worldwide count on us for preventive health services and education, and one out of every five American women has come to a Planned Parenthood health center for health information and care. We do more to prevent unintended pregnancy than any other provider or advocate in the US, helping to avert 612,000 unintended pregnancies and 291,000 abortions each year. That’s on top of the one million Pap tests, 830,000 breast exams, four million STI tests and treatments, 1.1 million pregnancy tests, and education programs reaching 1.2 million people in the past year alone.

Planned Parenthood of Illinois is proud to provide health care to more than 60,000 patients each year, and especially proud of the hardworking staff, dedicated volunteers, and steadfast supporters who make it possible. You are the reason that Planned Parenthood has earned the confidence of American women and families and will continue to do so for generations to come. Thanks for helping us get so far – you’re the best birthday present we could ask for!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Sexual Health

Bill Severely Undermines Women’s Access to Care

2011-10-14T15:14:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 358, a dangerous bill that undermines women’s access to care, including eliminating protections for women seeking care in emergency situations.

“This bill is a collection of dangerous ideas that will undermine women’s health,” said Cecile Richards, president of PPFA. “Most devastating, the bill eliminates protections for patients seeking care in emergency circumstances, and would allow a hospital to deny lifesaving abortion care to a woman, even if a doctor deems it necessary.”

H.R. 358 is an attempt by House leaders to force consideration of policies that would drastically erode women’s health and reduce access to basic health care services and information.

The Obama administration has issued a Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) opposing H.R. 358, indicating President Obama would veto H.R. 358 if it passes Congress.

Read the SAP here.

The bill’s several anti-women’s health provisions include:

taking comprehensive health care coverage away from women
eliminating existing protections for women who need an abortion to save their lives
further expanding current refusal laws that undermine women’s health
creating loopholes that states and insurance companies could exploit to undermine the requirement that insurance companies provide birth control with no co-pays


Rep Dan Lipinski (D-IL-3) spoke in favor of HR 358.

We commend our very own Judy Biggert (R-IL-13), Mike Quigley (D-IL-5) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-9) who spoke out against H.R. 358 on the House floor.

However, we're deeply disappointed that Illinois' Dan Lipinski (D-IL-3) spoke out in favor of voted for this dangerous bill.

We encourage you to thank your supportive legislators and express your disappointment to Dan Lipinski and other legislators who voted in favor of the bill. Here is a link to the roll call.

Although H.R. 358 has passed the House, we will remain vigilant in our efforts to stop the bill from passing in the Senate. Thanks to everyone who has already helped by making calls, sending letters and letting legislators know that women's health care MATTERS!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Abortion

So-called "Protect Life Act" does anything but

2011-10-13T10:10:00.001-05:00

It seems that the anti-choice ideology spouted on the Republican presidential campaign trail has inspired lawmakers back on Capitol Hill, where the House will take up H.R. 358, otherwise known as the Protect Life Act, this Friday.

This newest effort to restrict women’s reproductive freedom would ban federal funding from going towards any health plan that covers abortion and prohibit the government from withholding funds from anti-choice health organizations. The bill would also grant federally funded hospitals the freedom to turn away a woman seeking an abortion for any reason, including to save her life.

…Let’s repeat that. The Protect Life Act aims to protect life by denying women access to a potentially lifesaving medical procedure.

We don’t get it, either.

One person who doesn’t seem to have a problem with this logic, however, is Rep. Joe Pitts (PA), the author of the act. A spokesperson for Pitts defended the bill to reporters when it was introduced in February, claiming that it “is only preserving the same rights that medical professionals have had for decades.”

But much like the title of the act itself, this claim is false. Under current law, all hospitals that receive Medicare or Medicaid funds are required to provide lifesaving emergency care to anyone who walks through their doors – and that includes patients who require emergency abortions. If a hospital doesn’t have the facilities to do so, it has to transfer that patient to a provider that does. Under Pitts’ proposed bill, both the emergency treatment and transfer requirements would be lifted, leaving hospitals free to refuse abortion care - even as they receive funds from a government that has deemed the procedure to be fully legal.

Planned Parenthood calls on lawmakers to speak out against H.R. 358 to protect the lives of women and their rights to reproductive health care. To learn more about abortion care offered in your community, click here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, abortion rights

A Quick Lesson in Math and Family Planning Programs

2011-10-06T16:04:00.001-05:00

Fact #1: The cost to Medicaid of a woman giving birth, from prenatal care through one year of care for mother and infant, is slightly less than $13,000. Fact #2: The cost to Medicaid of supplying that same woman with one year’s worth of contraception is $257. Fact #3: After all the numbers have been crunched, studies show that every dollar invested in family planning services saves taxpayers nearly $4. The bottom line is that women's health programs save lives and save taxpayers money.

So naturally, given the state of the economy and the growing call for the government to reel in costs, the fiscally prudent thing to do would be…cut funding for family planning programs?

Something’s just not adding up.

But that’s exactly what House Republicans are trying to do with a new budget bill for fiscal year 2012. Proposed by Rep. Denny Rehberg of Montana, the bill calls for the elimination of Title X, the program that provides family planning services and preventive care for low-income men and women. Eliminating or cutting funding for these vital programs would have a devastating impact on women's access to basic health care.

Rehberg’s proposal is at best a case of misguided math that would worsen the economic situation it seeks to correct, and at worst a thinly veiled attack on women’s health couched as a means of saving money. Planned Parenthood calls on all members to reject this attack on the health and rights of the women they serve… and maybe brush up on their math skills, too.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Title X

Let's talk about sex

2011-10-04T14:19:00.001-05:00

If we listen to the stereotypes of popular culture, it seems like parents and kids alike would rather do just about anything than talk about sex. We’ve all seen it play out onscreen at some point – a teen and parent sit uncomfortably side by side, the former staring straight ahead as the latter chokes out something along the lines of, “Just, you know, be safe – okay?” Eye roll, awkward pat on the back, end scene.

The good news? It turns out this isn’t a case of art imitating life. According to a poll released today by Planned Parenthood and the Center for Latino Adolescent and Family Health, 82 percent of parents say they’ve talked to their kids about sex and issues related to sexuality, including relationships (92 percent) and “their own values about when sex should or should not take place” (87 percent).

The bad news? For many parents, the talking stops there. The survey showed lower numbers of parents willing to go into the details of tougher subjects, such as birth control (only 60 percent say they’ve discussed it) and how to say no (only 74 percent). Over half of parents reported feeling “uncomfortable” or “somewhat comfortable” with any conversation on sex.

The poll, “Let’s Talk: Are Parents Tackling Crucial Conversations About Sex?”, emphasizes the importance of Let’s Talk Month, a Planned Parenthood initiative to get the conversation flowing. Kids whose parents have had open discussions about sex are more likely to delay sexual activity, have fewer sexual partners, and are more likely to use contraception than those whose birds and bees talk – or lack thereof – more closely matches that stereotypical scene.

Over 90 percent of parents are confident in their ability to influence their kids’ sexual decisions – but if we want reality to match that number, it’s time to start talking. To learn more about how to communicate with your child or parent about sex and sexuality, click here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, sex talk

Last Chance - Take the National Survey on Female Condoms!

2011-09-29T15:06:00.000-05:00

The Female Condom Access Working Group is conducting a survey to determine people’s attitudes, access, and use of female condoms in the United States. You may remember our previous posts on this survey. This is now your last chance to help us out and fill out this survey if you haven't done so already!

Female Condoms are used by women, men, and transpeople for vaginal and anal sex to protect against sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and unplanned pregnancy. This survey is intended for people of all genders and sexual orientations who have engaged in vaginal or anal sex at least once in the last 12 months. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

No identifying information is requested or recorded. Survey results will help the Female Condom Access Working Group to improve community education, availability, and access to female condoms. The Female Condom Access Working Group is comprised of the Chicago Female Condom Campaign, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Houston Area FC2 Project, San Francisco Department of Public Health, State of New York Department of Health AIDS Institute, and Washington DC Department of Health.
Please CLICK HERE to take the survey today!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, female condoms

A Nod to World Contraception Day

2011-09-28T14:58:00.002-05:00

Monday, September 26^th, was World Contraception Day, which highlights the annual campaign to help young people around the globe make informed decisions on their sexual health. Sponsored by a host of organizations including the International Planned Parenthood Federation, this year’s World Contraception Day has the motto, “Live Your Life. Know your rights. Learn about contraception,” a rallying cry to encourage youth to search for medically accurate, unbiased information on how to protect themselves from pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

It’s a message that’s needed now more than ever. Despite the title of this post, World Contraception Day came with some pretty unhappy news – according to a study released by the WCD task force, rates of unprotected sex among young people are on the rise, while their knowledge of available contraceptive options is down.

Denise Keller, a member of the task force, said of the study:

“No matter where you are in the world, barriers exist which prevent teenagers from receiving trustworthy information about sex and contraception, which is probably why myths and misconceptions remain so widespread even today.”

You don’t need to look any further than our home state to know the truth of this statement. Illinois has the 20^th highest teen pregnancy rate in the nation and an STI rate well above the national average – and even so, 37 percent of our high school students report not using a condom during their last sexual encounter. Yikes!

Here at Planned Parenthood, we believe that every day should be World Contraception Day. Providing teens and young people with the information they need to make responsible decisions about their sexual health is the common sense solution to reducing unintended teen pregnancy and STIs. Scientific evidence contends that comprehensive sex education helps young adults withstand pressures and promotes healthy, responsible and mutually protective relationships when they do become sexually active. Withholding this vital information from young adults ensures that uninformed adolescents become uninformed adults.

That is why we have a program that helps teens to not only learn all they can about safe sex, but to spread the message to their peers as well. PPIL’s Teen Awareness Group (TAG) provides training to high school students on how to host educational programs for their fellow students, along parents and community members. TAG currently operates in Decatur, Bloomington and Champaign and is looking to expand throughout the state. To learn more about TAG or any of PPIL’s other educational programs, click here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, World Contraception Day

Rep. Stearns’ Politically Motivated Investigation Is Latest Attempt to Undermine Health Care Millions Count On

2011-09-27T17:34:00.004-05:00

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) expressed disappointment that Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has put politics before lifesaving health care by launching what appears to be a politically motivated investigation and demanding an onerous amount of records from PPFA and its 83 affiliates, some going as far back as 13 years.

“Planned Parenthood is a trusted nonprofit health care provider that provides professional, reliable and quality health care, including birth control, lifesaving cancer screenings, annual exams, and STD testing and treatment to three million women and men across the country,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “This politically motivated investigation is a continuation of the efforts of earlier this year to undermine Planned Parenthood, and more disturbingly, women’s access to the primary and preventive care they need.”

PPFA and its affiliates have a strong record of fiscal responsibility and have always complied with all laws and regulations applicable to the receipt and use of federal funds.

Similar to other health care providers and nonprofit organizations, PPFA and its affiliates routinely work with government regulators, nonprofit foundation donors, and independent auditors to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations regarding the funding Planned Parenthood health centers receive, whether it is a private contribution, a foundation grant, or federal or state funding, such as Medicaid reimbursements. Anytime an irregularity is discovered, it is taken seriously and handled swiftly and appropriately.

“At a time when the American people need jobs, some members of Congress are instead misusing their political power to go after health care access for the most vulnerable women in the country,” said Richards. “We are certain that the millions of women and men who count on Planned Parenthood will make their voices heard and speak out, just as they did during the budget battle in the spring.”

“As Rep. Stearns’ constituent, as well as a small business owner and a longtime Planned Parenthood patient, I am angry that Rep. Stearns is attacking Planned Parenthood for political reasons,” said Lorraine McGill. “Planned Parenthood has been my primary provider of women’s health care for nearly 20 years. I go there for my Pap tests, cancer screenings, and birth control. The doctors, nurses, and all other employees at Planned Parenthood have always been caring and compassionate.”

McGill, who lives in Gainesville, Florida, added, “This is exactly why so many people have issues with Congress. Instead of wasting their time and resources on ideology, they should be helping more women get the care they need.”

Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA), the ranking member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations in a letter to Congressman Stearns, wrote, “We are aware of no predicate that would justify this sweeping and invasive request to Planned Parenthood. The HHS Inspector General and state Medicaid programs regularly audit Planned Parenthood and report publicly on their findings. These audits have not identified any pattern of misuse of federal funds, illegal activity, or other abuse that would justify a broad and invasive congressional investigation.”

Congressman Waxman and Congresswoman DeGette’s letter continues: “It would be an abuse of the oversight process if you are now using the Committee’s investigative powers to harass Planned Parenthood again. Your fervent ideological opposition to Planned Parenthood does not justify launching this intrusive investigation.”

The full text of Congressman Waxman and Congresswoman DeGette’s letter can be found HERE.

While extremely disappointed to again be a political target, PPFA has already contacted the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and is responding to the request in a timely manner. As a trusted nonprofit health care provider to three million people, Planned Parenthood affiliates takes seriously their role as a financial steward of contributions, grants, and government funding.

This spring, members of Congress opposed to birth control and abortion failed in their attack on women’s health services and Planned Parenthood.

“We are confident that any fair-minded person will see through this politically motivated investigation, the purpose of which appears to be undermining access to care,” said Richards. “As people learn about this latest attack on their health care provider, they will speak out and stand with us to protect access to health care for women and families.”

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Waxman, DeGette, Stearns

New and Improved Wicker Park Health Center Unveiled

2011-09-22T14:46:00.001-05:00

Over the past year, our Wicker Park health center gave out 21,062 condoms, performed 3,743 STI screenings, dispensed 20,929 orders of birth control and handled 15,857 visits from 6,805 patients.

And that was just the old heath center.

Yesterday marked the highly anticipated unveiling of our newly expanded and renovated Wicker Park health center, featuring a bigger space and an updated look to increase both operating efficiency for our staff and comfort for our patients. The new design will allow us to take on more patients and increase the number of patients we can see at a time. Our patient base in Wicker Park has already been increasing by 10% annually and we're thrilled we now have the space to accommodate the growing need in the community.

This access has never been more needed or more urgent, either. Manny Flores, the former 1st Ward Alderman and current PPIL board member who attended last night's opening, said:

"Without Planned Parenthood's services, the community is more vulnerable to unintended pregnancy, STDs and other serious health problems. Thanks to Planned Parenthood's new health center more women, men and teens in the community have a place to turn to for preventive health care services."

Cook County has the highest rate of gonorrhea infections in the country and the second highest for syphilis and chlamydia, and has a teen pregnancy rate far above the national average. In the West Town and Humboldt Park neighborhoods of Chicago, in particular, teen mothers account for 25-28% of all new births.

Services offered at the Wicker Park center include annual exams, birth control, emergency contraception, STI testing and treatment, HIV testing and counseling, HPV and Hepatitis A and B vaccination, and pregnancy testing and options counseling. To make an appointment, visit www.ppil.org or call 800-230-PLAN.

Stop by, and let us know what you think!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Wicker Park, Humboldt Park

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

2011-09-20T15:56:00.001-05:00

With all that we do at Planned Parenthood to advance women’s reproductive health and rights, we like to take the time every so often to remind men that we’re here for you, too. And as they say, there’s no time like the present – especially when the present falls right in the middle of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Prostate cancer is both the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States, affecting over 220,000 men and claiming the lives of nearly 30,000 each year. A few weeks ago, President Obama issued a proclamation dedicating the month of September to increasing public understanding of the disease. He said:

“We reaffirm our support for prostate cancer patients and survivors, and commend health care providers, advocates, and researchers for their dedication and perseverance. Our combined efforts to raise awareness and bolster research will help save lives.”

To that end, we encourage all men to take prevention into their own hands by getting educated about the risks and learning how to protect their health. Groups with higher rates of prostate cancer include men who are African-American, men who are over the age of 50, or men who have a family history of the disease. To all the men out there, if any of these factors apply to you, or if you experience any of the common prostate cancer symptoms, make an appointment with your health care provider or find your local Planned Parenthood health center here to get screened.

Learn more about the men’s health services at Planned Parenthood by clicking here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, prostate cancer, men's health

HPV Vaccine: Fact vs. Fiction

2011-09-19T15:52:00.001-05:00

Here at Planned Parenthood, we believe that prevention is the best kind of health care, which is why we endorse the vaccine for the human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted infection better known as HPV. While some strains of HPV are relatively harmless, others can cause genital warts or cervical cancer. The federal government includes HPV on its list of recommended vaccinations for girls, and the CDC, the American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics all join Planned Parenthood on the list of supporters for the vaccine.

Conspicuously absent from that list, however, are several presidental candidates, a fact made alarmingly clear throughout the 2012 GOP presidential primary. Here's what Rep. Michele Bachmann had to say in an interview immediately after a recent debate:

"It comes with some very significant consequences. There's a woman who came up crying to me tonight after the debate. She said her daughter was given that vaccine. She told me her daughter suffered mental retardation as a result of that vaccine. There are very dangerous consequences."

While it may be an effective scare tactic, this statement couldn't be further off the mark in terms of medical fact. The vaccination, which is FDA-approved for both men and women, has proven to be both safe and effective. If we're discussing "dangerous consequences," it's fair to say that perhaps the most dangerous thing in that statement is the power it has to falsely frighten women away from a routine and potentially lifesaving procedure. For a presidential candidate to do so is not only unpresidential, but downright irresponsible.

But Rep. Bachmann did get one thing right. While her claim about the vaccine's link to mental disability and other "dangerous" side effects has no basis in science, her claim about its "siginficant consequences" is right on the money. Here are some numbers that we'd call "very significant": Around 20 million Americans are currently infected with the HPV virus, with 6 million new infections each year. One percent of sexually active adults in the U.S. suffers from genital warts at any given time. Each year, around 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, the majority with cases caused by HPV, and 4,000 die of the disease.

And a vaccine with the power to reduce, and someday maybe even eliminate, those numbers? We’d call that pretty significant, too. PPIA calls on all the GOP presidential candidates to repudiate the scare tactics and stick to the facts when it comes to women’s health and the HPV vaccine.

Planned Parenthood is doing our part to stop HPV - by the end of this year, we'll be offering the vaccine at all of our health centers across the country. But we need you to do your part as well. Learn more about HPV here, and find out more about how to protect yourself here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, HPV

Barriers to quality health care for LGBT people

2011-09-07T14:40:00.000-05:00

A recent article in American Medical News discusses the challenges LGBT individuals face in terms of access to health care physicians who understand their communities and make them feel comfortable in a medical setting. LGBT people have experienced discrimination and harassment in health care settings, as well as denial of services. In other cases, physicians may not have the knowledge required to address specific health concerns of LGBT communities. These factors have deterred many LGBT people from accessing quality health care services and prevented them from receiving life-saving preventive care.

The article notes that a survey of 7,000 people by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force in 2010 revealed that 28 percent of transgender and gender nonconforming people postponed medical care due to concerns about discrimination. Another study showed that 1 in 5 LGBT adults withheld information regarding their sexual activity from their doctor. These findings are troubling, given LGBT health disparities such as increased risk for HIV and STIs.

Planned Parenthood believes in removing these barriers and ensuring that LGBT people receive the quality health care they deserve in a compassionate, understanding environment. Read the full article here. To learn more about LGBT health, click here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, LGBT

Medicare panel recommends coverage of STD screening for older adults

2011-08-26T11:06:00.000-05:00

A recent article from the Miami Herald reveals that Medicare could begin to cover STD screening for seniors. Medicare is health insurance for people 65 and older, and some people under 65 with certain disabilities.

A panel from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recommended coverage in a recent memo. A decision on coverage is due in November.

Health care experts have encouraged this move as an important part of promoting prevention. From the article:

“The belief that seniors are not sexually active and therefore not likely to contract STDs is a misconception,” says Naushira Pandya, chair of the department of geriatrics at Nova Southeastern University. “We need to start paying attention to the sexual health” of seniors.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by infections that are passed from one person to another during sexual contact, and this includes people in all age groups. There are many kinds of sexually transmitted diseases and infections. And they are very common — more than half of all of us will get one at some time in our lives. The good news is that we can protect ourselves and each other from STDs.

Practicing safer sex allows you to reduce your risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases. And if you've done anything that puts you at risk of infection, getting tested allows you to get any treatments you may need. Find out if you should get tested for HIV, chlamydia, or gonorrhea, three dangerous STDs, with The Check.

Read the full article here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, seniors, medicare,

"Stripped Stories" Comes to Chicago Next Monday at Zanies

2011-08-24T15:38:00.000-05:00

Although Giulia Rozzi and Margot Leitman spent four years at Ithaca College taking an array of sociological-feminist-sexuality classes, it wasn't until after graduation when they unexpectedly spent three hours in the bath tub of a Vegas hotel room gossiping about sex that they became best friends.

And they haven't stopped talking since. With a combined resume which includes appearances on NBC, ABC, Vh1, Mtv, Comedy Central, AMC, ESPN, CNN, E!, various guest radio spots, and features in Glamour and Playgirl Magazine, Giulia and Margot easily blended their love of stories, silliness and sex to create Stripped Stories.

This themed night of hilarious sex stories has been playing monthly to sold-out audiences since it first began in January 2007. With guests spanning from award winning comedians to regular folks who have never set foot on a stage, Stripped Stories pleases both critics and audience members alike. Each month Giulia and Margot enable audience members to laugh at their own sexual misadventures via the brave guests who bare their souls on stage.

With rave reviews from Time Out NY, The Village Voice, Nerve.com and many others, Stripped Stories has become a must see comedy event. The show has been honored with an ECNY nomination for Best Variety Show and was selected to be part of the prestigious NY Comedy Festival. Each show features a comedian, a non-comedian, and a musical act revealing hysterically honest stories about their sex lives plus an interactive jaw-dropping game of "never-have-I-ever" and an audience interview.

Stripped Stories
Monday, August 29th - 8:30pm
Zanies Comedy Night Club
1548 N. Wells
Chicago, IL
Get your tickets here!

Check Stripped Stories out on Facebook!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, stripped stories, comedy

Planned Parenthood at the Illinois State Fair!

2011-08-18T15:54:00.000-05:00

Planned Parenthood advocates, interns, and Teen Awareness Group (TAG) educators attended the Illinois State Fair yesterday in Springfield. In between the Goat, Swine, Sheep & Dairy Shows and the Quilted Cow Emporium Demonstration, attendees stopped by our table to learn more about the need for better comprehensive sex education in Illinois.

Each year approximately 750,000 American teenagers become pregnant. An estimated 37,000 of these teenagers are from Illinois, which accounts for 5% of the nation’s teenage pregnancies. Additionally, roughly nine million new sexually transmitted infections occur in young adults each year. Within Illinois, adolescents are contracting sexually transmitted infections faster than any other age group. What these statistics tell us is that the current form of sex education (or lack thereof) in many Illinois schools is failing our youth.

Illinois state education regulations do NOT require the inclusion of sex education within school curricula. The state allows each school to decide how and whether it wants to educate its students about sexual health. Furthermore, if the school does choose to provide sex education, the curriculum is required to stress abstinence, but does not have to provide information about contraceptives.

PREP (Personal Responsibility Education Program) is the first state-grant program from the federal government that funds comprehensive sex education. PREP provides $55 million for states to fund evidence-based sex education programs that meet the needs of young people by teaching teens how to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS, protect their health, make responsible decisions, and learn critical skills needed to form healthy relationships with parents, peers, and partners.

Numerous medical and scientific organizations support comprehensive sexuality education, including:

American Public Health Association
American Medical Association
Society for Adolescent Medicine
American Academy of Pediatrics

Public opinion also shows support for comprehensive sex education. A Peter D. Hart Research poll shows a majority of voters in nearly every demographic category, including Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, as well as Roman Catholics and Evangelical Christians, support comprehensive sex education.

This type of public support was evident at the State Fair, with multiple people coming up to our table just to say "thank you" for promoting more comprehensive sex education. Thanks to all the volunteers and participants who signed our petitions and spread the word by wearing pink!

Learn more about PREP here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Illinois, comprehensive sex ed, State Fair

Kansas Law to be Challenged In Court

2011-08-17T14:35:00.000-05:00

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has signed a lot of new abortion restrictions this year. One of them is a law prohibiting health insurance companies in that state from covering abortion in comprehensive plans unless the procedure is necessary to save a woman's life. In other words, no exceptions for a woman's health or for victims of rape or incest. Laura Bassett, from the Huffington Post, covered the issue yesterday. From the article:

"It would be no different than the state making women pay a tax on abortion," said Brigitte Amiri, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project. "It's part of the onslaught of laws we're seeing nationally, and particularly in Kansas, that want to punish and shame women for choosing abortion."

The ACLU is challenging the law in federal court on the basis that it is unconstitutional and that it discriminates based on sex. The ACLU is fighting to protect the ability of women in Kansas to make the best decision for themselves and their families and stop the national trend toward these dangerous laws.

Here at Planned Parenthood we believe that every woman should have access to the full range of reproductive health care. Access to abortion is legal, constitutionally protected, and consistently supported by a majority of Americans; yet anti-choice organizations and policymakers have made it increasingly harder for women to access needed care. We are working to protect access to reproductive health care through education of elected officials, litigation, and mobilization of more than four million Planned Parenthood activists, donors, and supporters. Learn more here.

Read about what's happening in the Kansas City Star, and find out more about the ACLU's case at the Huffington Post and on the ACLU's website.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Abortion, ACLU, advocacy, Kansas

Planned Parentood Supporters Featured in Crain's

2011-08-11T15:14:00.012-05:00

Earlier this week, Crain's Chicago Business Magazine highlighted the efforts of three Illinois women who have graciously supported Planned Parenthood, either by donating their own money toward improving our health centers and services, or by hosting fundraisers to benefit Planned Parenthood's political work.

We commend these outstanding women for protecting reproductive rights and health here in Illinois. Find out how you can help here, and read the full article.

Click on this link to read the article and make a comment on the website in support of these fabulous women!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Crain's

CDC Reports Rise in HIV Infections for Young Gay Black Men

2011-08-05T12:14:00.002-05:00

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Wednesday a troubling rise in new HIV infections among young gay men and men who have sex with men. New HIV cases rose by nearly 50% among young African-American gay men, the sharpest increase of any group.

“We face a snowballing health crisis among young, gay African-American men,” said David Ernesto Munar, president/CEO of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC). “Immediate measures are needed to prevent an even greater health emergency.”

According to the CDC, young gay men ages 13-29 accounted for 44% of new HIV cases among gay men in 2009. An estimated 2,100 young African-American gay men contracted HIV between 2006 and 2009, a 48% increase. Data from the Chicago Department of Public Health indicates that reported HIV cases among young gay African-American men 13-29 rose 62% from 2005-2008, mirroring the national trend.

AFC is heightening its response to HIV among young gay men to address the high rates of new infections. The agency kicked off 2011 with broad community education on the intersection of anti-gay bullying, homophobia, and HIV. Renowned advocate for gay youth Dan Savage headlined the Spring Luncheon, and through an array of new programs, AFC is working to expand testing and linkage to care for gay men of color, including young gay men.

“HIV infections can be prevented. By getting tested, reducing risky behaviors, and getting treatment, people can protect themselves and their loved ones,” said CDC Director Thomas Frieden, M.D. We at Planned Parenthood agree! Learn more about HIV/AIDS and how to get tested locally here.

Read the CDC's report here, and read the HIV/AIDS 2006-2009 incidence report here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, HIV, CDC, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, LGBT, GYT

Two New Polls Show Majority Support For Planned Parenthood!

2011-08-03T12:27:00.000-05:00

A Gallup poll released last week found that 57 percent of voters oppose “a law prohibiting health clinics that provide abortion services from receiving any federal funds.” This would include efforts to bar Planned Parenthood from receiving funds for preventive health care including lifesaving cancer screenings, breast exams, birth control, and STD testing and treatment.

A poll conducted by Harris Interactive/HealthDay found that 55 percent of voters oppose “eliminating state funding from Planned Parenthood.” Only 33 percent support the elimination of this funding. The Harris poll also found that 83 percent of respondents support access to abortion in “some” or “all circumstances.” This is a 7 point increase from 2009.

Jennifer Colamonico, a senior researcher with Harris Interactive said of the results, "Despite the current trend of fiscal conservatism in the United States stemming from the economic downturn, Americans overall remain socially moderate on abortion rights.”

Other public polls also show strong support for Planned Parenthood:

CNN: 65 percent of voters “think the federal government should continue to provide funding to Planned Parenthood.” This includes 68 percent of women and 58 percent of independents. [CNN.com, 4/11/11]
Quinnipiac University: 53 percent of voters opposed "cutting off federal government funding to Planned Parenthood." The poll also found that 50 percent of Independent voters - as well as 66 percent of voters aged 18-34 and 60 percent of "moderate" voters - opposed "cutting off federal governemnt funding to Planned Parenthood. [Quinnipiac.edu, 3/3/11]
NBC/Wall Street Journal: 53 percent of Americans found it "mostly or totally unacceptable" to "eliminate funding to Planned Parenthood for family planning and preventive health services." Among women aged 18-49, 60 percent found it "mostly or totally unacceptable" to "eliminate funding to Planned Parenthood for family planning and preventive health services." [WSJ.com, 3/3/11]

The numbers speak for themselves! Thank you for your support.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Gallup polls, Harris Interactive, Prochoice

The Debt Ceiling Deal and Planned Parenthood

2011-08-02T15:55:00.000-05:00

The Senate voted today to raise the government’s debt ceiling and cut trillions of dollars from its spending just hours before the government’s borrowing authority was set to run out. The bill, which passed 74 to 26, was signed by President Obama shortly after. What does this mean for the nation, Planned Parenthood, and our patients?

Debt ceiling increased until 2013: As a first step, the deal would immediately increase the debt ceiling by $400 billion and then an additional $500 billion increase subject to Congressional disapproval, which can then be vetoed by the President. Depending on congressional action, the debt ceiling will be raised between $1.2 trillion to $1.5 trillion.

$1 trillion in discretionary spending cuts over 10 years: Specifically, for FY 2012, the total amount of federal spending for “non-security discretionary” programs—which includes public health programs such as Title X and Title V—is capped at $359 billion. As a second step, the bill establishes a Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction. This Deficit Committee is tasked with reporting by Thanksgiving a deficit reduction plan, which must reduce the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion over ten years. If the Committee cannot agree on recommendations or if Congress fails to enact legislation to reduce the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion, automatic across-the-board spending cuts for both defense and non-defense spending will go into effect.

Next Steps: Given that this deal could impact both Medicaid and non-entitlement programs that are important to women’s health, PP will be working hard to protect them! We will keep you posted on what you can do to help! Join our action network to stay up-to-date!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, President Obama, Medicaid, debt ceiling deal

Birth Control Without Co-Pays: A Victory for Women!

2011-08-01T13:07:00.000-05:00

Planned Parenthood applauds the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) decision to include the full range of FDA-approved contraceptive methods as a women’s preventive health service, making it available without co-pays or cost sharing. The HHS announcement follows a strong recommendation from the Institute of Medicine, an independent, nonpartisan medical body.

“Today is a historic victory for women’s health and women across the country,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “The decision by HHS is monumental for millions of women who have struggled with the cost of birth control and other essential health-care services such as cervical cancer and HIV screening.”

HHS has designated eight specific services as women’s preventive health care, including:

• contraceptive methods and counseling
• annual well-woman preventive visit
• screening for cervical cancer/HPV
• counseling for sexually transmitted infections
• counseling and screening for HIV
• screening and counseling for interpersonal and domestic violence
• breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling
• screening for gestational diabetes

This means that new insurance plans must offer these preventive services without additional out-of-pocket expenses or co-pays.

Eliminating co-pays for preventive health care will help reduce unintended pregnancies in the United States. The unintended pregnancy rate in the United States ranks among the highest in the developed world. In the U.S., nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended.

Birth control is also used to control and manage a wide range of health problems. Among other things, it can protect women against debilitating symptoms of endometriosis and reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

Most importantly, birth control allows women to plan and space their pregnancies, thus improving maternal, infant, and family health.

“There is no doubt that birth control is basic health care for women,” said Dr. Vanessa Cullins, vice president for medical affairs at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “Covering birth control without co-pays is one of the most important steps we can take to prevent unintended pregnancy and keep women and children healthy.”

Co-pays for birth control pills typically range between $15 and $50 per month. Other methods, such as IUDs, often cost several hundred dollars, even with health insurance.

To ensure that women’s voices were part of this national conversation, Planned Parenthood launched Birth Control Matters, an awareness campaign that has helped demonstrate widespread support for covering birth control without co-pays.

According to a recent Thomson Reuters-NPR Health poll, 77 percent of Americans believe that private medical insurance should provide no-cost birth control and 74 percent believe that government-sponsored plans should do the same.

While this announcement is a victory for women’s health, Planned Parenthood is disappointed HHS is considering proposals that would limit this protection for some women. Planned Parenthood will continue to work hard to ensure that all women, regardless of their employer or insurer, have access to the health care they need, including affordable birth control.

Birth control use is normative, even among religious women. According to a 2011 Guttmacher report, among all women who have had sex, 99 percent had used contraception. Among Catholic women, 98 percent who have had sex had used contraception. Sixty-eight percent of Catholic women and 74 percent of Evangelicals used a “highly effective method*,” such as the pill or the IUD.

Read the recent New York Times editorial piece here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, birth control

World Hepatitis Day!

2011-07-28T12:05:00.000-05:00

Today is World Hepatitis Day, an event that provides international focus for patient groups and people living with hepatitis B and C. It is an opportunity around which interested groups can raise awareness and influence real change in disease prevention and access to testing and treatment.

Hepatitis viruses infect the liver. Hepatitis A, B, and C can be transmitted sexually, and hepatitis B (HBV) is the most likely to be spread this way. HBV is present in vaginal fluids, semen, and blood. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted by vaginal or anal intercourse, as well as oral sex. HBV can also be spread by exposure to infected blood, or from an HBV positive mother to her infant during birth.

To protect yourself from HBV, make sure to use latex barriers, such as condoms and dental dams if you are sexually active. Also don’t use unsterilized needles, don’t share hygiene items that could have infected blood on them, such as razors and toothbrushes, and consider being vaccinated against hepatitis B.

About half of all people infected with HBV don’t show signs or symptoms. Those who do develop symptoms usually do so within six weeks to six months of infection, and they might experience fatigue, hives, fever, abdominal pain or tenderness, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting. Later symptoms might include jaundice, pale stools, dark urine, and intense abdominal pain.

At least 90 percent of those infected with HBV make full recoveries with an average 12-week recovery time. It is important to note, however, that an estimated 6 to 10 percent of adolescents and adults with HBV become chronic carriers – the virus enters a latent state in the host’s cells, which means that a carrier will remain contagious even after his or her own symptoms have disappeared. They are also at increased risk for liver cancer and cirrhosis, both of which can be fatal.

At Planned Parenthood we offer preventative care in the form of a Hepatitis A and B vaccine called TWINRIX, which is recommended for those 18 and over. Contact your local health center to find out more and schedule an appointment today. You can get more information about hepatitis B at Planned Parenthood’s website, the CDC’s website, or the Hepatitis B Foundation.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, hepatitis, get tested, HBV,

Global Gag Rule Undermines U.S. Foreign Policy and Harms Women's Health

2011-07-27T16:05:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Congresswoman Nita Lowey introduced the Global Democracy Promotion Act of 2011, a bill that would permanently repeal the Global Gag Rule. The Global Gag Rule is a policy that has been applied and repealed via executive order at each change in the White House, beginning with Ronald Reagan (apply) in 1984 and most recently with President Obama (repeal) in 2009.

The GGR prohibits international health care providers from receiving U.S. international assistance for family planning if those organizations use other (non-US) funding to provide abortion counseling, referrals, or services, or seek to change laws regarding abortion care in countries in which abortion is a leading cause of death among women ages 15 to 49. Access to contraception and to family planning counseling and information helps women and their partners to plan the number and spacing of children they want to have and to avoid unintended pregnancies that could lead to abortion. As such, by denying U.S. international assistance to groups that also provide safe, legal abortion, the GGR may actually increase the number of abortions, rather than reduce them.

For those foreign organizations that refused to comply with the Gag Rule when it was enforced in the past, the price was not just monetary. In addition to forfeiting financial assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), these organizations lost valuable technical assistance and U.S.-donated contraceptives, including condoms - two critical aspects of USAID’s family planning program. With 215 million women worldwide who want but lack access to modern contraception, the Gag Rule further exacerbates an already dire situation. No other donor can match the U.S’s longstanding leadership and technical expertise on family planning to easily fill the void left by the withdrawal of and restrictions on U.S. funding.

The Facts:
-U.S. family planning assistance funds family planning, not abortion. Existing U.S. law and policy prohibits funding for abortion overseas.
-The Gag Rule would be unconstitutional in the U.S. as it is contingent on organizations’ willingness to surrender the use of its own funds to exercise free speech.
-The Gag Rule harms women’s health by limiting funds for family planning groups, which in turn shuts down local health centers, cuts services, and increases fees.
-The GGR has adversely affected the supply of contraceptives and condoms. Shortly after the reinstatement of the Gag Rule in 2001, shipments of U.S. donated condoms and contraceptives completely ceased to 16 developing countries, primarily in Africa.

What you can do to help:
Contact your representative to stop this rule for good. Click here to lend your voice!
Learn more at Population Action International and RH Reality Check!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Global Gag Rule, reproductive rights, women's health

"We've Got You Covered" Birth Control Blog Carnival!

2011-07-21T14:31:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week the Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued recommendations that included contraception, yearly well-woman visits, support for breast feeding, counseling for sexually transmitted infections, and screening and counseling for domestic violence, among others, that health insurers should be required to cover at no cost to the woman. Today, Planned Parenthood is teaming up with the National Women's Law Center and bloggers across the internet to discuss the importance of birth control and what the IOM’s decision means for the future of no-cost contraception. Contribute your voice here!

Excerpts of personal blogging reactions are below. Click the titles to read the full stories!

Birth Control Saved My Academic Career, My Relationships, and My Health

"...I began a relationship with someone not too long after I had started taking the pills, right at the very beginning of college, and it's thanks to those pills that I was able to graduate Magna Cum Laude with a 3.8 GPA and multiple honors in the four years it was supposed to take me to graduate. Thanks to those pills, I was able to focus on my education instead of on whether or not I was pregnant. Thanks to those pills, I didn't have to, and won't have to, miss classes and/or work once a month due to unbearable, blindingly painful cramps, and I will be able to maintain a healthy, stress-free sexual relationship with my current boyfriend and attend graduate school without having to worry about having an abortion or raising a child at the same time. Thanks to those pills, if I ultimately decide never to have children, I won't have to have them anyway."

Birth Control Blog Carnival

"...It is hard for me to fathom why, in 2011, this is still an issue--I'm glad, certainly, that so many people are working hard to make this happen, but it's still sad that women's health is something that has to be fought for in these so-called "enlightened" times. Men can get little blue pills (and those cheesy-as-hell ads are all over TV) and giving women access to birth control is still this Big Issue. It makes me want to scream.
I have used the Pill off and on since the age of 18--mostly as a way to control hormone fluctuations, acne, and (forgive the overshare) extra-long, extra-heavy menstrual periods. In this last year on unemployment, I've missed being on the Pill, and one of these days I may actually drag my lazy self over to Planned Parenthood to get back on it. I'm thankful I still have Planned Parenthood in California--the organization is facing all kinds of challenges across the U.S. right now...Anyway, now that I've got the ranty stuff out of the way, the bottom line (and my point) is that allowing all women access to affordable family planning and health screening should be a top priority--and, of course, we should continue educating people about health and wellness in all areas of life, without denying reproductive health."

The Pill's Role In Radicalizing Me at 12 (a local Chicago blogger!)

"...It amazes me how much time women spend trying to NOT get pregnant. I've been menstruating for twenty five years and out of which, only three months have I wanted to get pregnant. I know, my eggs are efficient suckers. That means for 99% of my reproductive years, I've been avoiding the actual reproduction. And I'm sure I have another 5-10 years (maybe even more as I am Latina and all) left to go. I've been fortunate enough to be able to either pay for my pills or be supplied with "samples" over those years. So let's hear it for birth control! GOOOOO BIRTH CONTROL! Thanks for helping me plan my family, my life and my career. Hopefully one day the kid will ask me, "Really? You actually had to pay for birth control? REALLY?!"

Head over to the National Women's Law Center site to read more stories like these, or contribute your own, there's still time!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, National Women's Law Center, IOM, birth control

2011 Chicago Disability Pride Parade

2011-07-20T13:34:00.000-05:00

This Saturday, July 23rd, don't forget to head downtown to show your support at the 8th annual Disability Pride Parade! Disability Pride represents a rejection of the notion that the physical, sensory, mental, and cognitive differences from the non-disabled standard are wrong or bad in any way, and is a statement of self-acceptance, dignity and pride. It is a public expression of the belief that disabilities are a natural part of human diversity, a celebration of heritage and culture, and a validation of disabled experience.

The parade staging area and starting point is located at 401 S. Plymouth Court. The actual parade starts at 10:30 a.m., followed by entertainment and performances in Daley Plaza. Come as a spectator or as a participant! Register with the ACLU here to be a part of their truck, or look at the official Disability Pride Parade website here for more opportunities.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, ACLU, Disability Pride, Chicago

2011 Planned Parenthood Organizing and Policy Summit!

2011-07-19T11:20:00.000-05:00

Last week hundreds of CEOs, public affairs and policy staff, and educators from across the country connected for three days in DC for the 2011 Planned Parenthood Organizing and Policy Summit, and the Youth Organizing and Policy Conference. 400 of the best and brightest youth leaders and advocates representing the future of our movement also lobbied their elected officials, participated in engaging workshops, toured DC colleges, and had a great time meeting other like-minded youth.

Guest speakers included the Honorable John Lewis (D-GA), Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and Patrick Gaspard, executive director of the Democratic National Committee, who said, “We’re not going to let anyone defund Planned Parenthood. Our movement draws from your movement."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid accepted his Champions of Women's Health Award from PPSN/PPRM volunteers and youth advocates Tara Brosnan, a SURJ member at UNLV, and Jordan Eglet, president of the PPSN Youth for Truth group and on the 2011 PPFA National Youth Advisory Council. Other lobby visits were made to Senator Kay Hagan, Rep. Tim Ryan, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Rep. Terri Sewell, and Illinois' very own Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk, pictured below with PPIL TAG educators.

James Wagoner, president of Advocates for Youth, provided a rousing closing keynote about the critical role of young people in the movement for sexual health and rights. He congratulated everyone on the critical role they played this year in standing up for Planned Parenthood and for young people’s right to the education and services they need to stay healthy. He sent the crowd out fired up and ready for another year of effective advocacy and involvement!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Senator Harry Reid, Youth Organizing,

Summer Events!

2011-07-14T15:14:00.001-05:00

Looking for ways to lend your support to the LGBTQ and reproductive health and rights communities in Illinois this summer? Read about these upcoming events and check back with us again for other fun events happening throughout the summer.

July 16th - Every Body Chicago+Genderqueer Chicago Beach Meetup, Genderqueer Chicago

Chicago, Hollywood Beach, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m

July 18th - HamBingo to benefit the Lavender Fund of the Lesbian Leadership Council, Chicago Foundation for Women

Chicago, Hamburger Mary's, 5400 N. Clark, 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

July 23rd - 2011 Disability Pride Parade, ACLU Illinois

Chicago, 401 S. Plymouth Court, 10:30 a.m, Sign up today!

July 30th - August 2nd - Summer of Trust Abortion Clinic Defense Bus Trip

Champaign to Chicago to Germantown MD, starts 4:00 p.m., find event details on Facebook!

August 20th - Dance for Life Chicago, AIDS Foundation Chicago

Chicago, Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 East Congress Parkway, buy tickets!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, AIDS Foundation

States Enact Record Number of Abortion Restrictions in First Half of 2011

2011-07-13T15:51:00.000-05:00

Today the Guttmacher Institute released a new report chronicling the methods by which different states are limiting access to both abortion and family planning services. Our midwest neighbor Wisconsin has unfortunately joined Kansas, North Carolina and Indiana as yet another state whose budget has been slashed so as to limit reproductive health care. The recently adopted state budget eliminates $1 million in state and federal funding to nine Planned Parenthood health centers in small communities.

"It's a shame some political personal beliefs are taking away resources that make sure women in Wisconsin have access to basic family planning health care," stated Amanda Harrington, a spokesperson from Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin.

Please lend your support to Planned Parenthood Wisconsin here, and learn more about reproductive stats and facts at the Guttmacher Institute here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Wisconsin, Guttmacher Institute

Women's Health Advocates Praise Court Ruling on Harmful Sex Workers Policy

2011-07-07T11:58:00.002-05:00

The United States cannot force partners in its international fight against AIDS to denounce prostitution as a condition to get funding, a federal appeals court said Wednesday in citing the First Amendment. The "anti-prostitution pledge policy" was a provision in the 2003 Leadership Act which required organizations that were receiving US funding to fight AIDS/HIV globally to adopt a specific organization-wide policy opposing prostitution.

Global health advocacy groups like the Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE) have criticized the law because it does nothing to advance its stated goals of defeating HIV/AIDS and the trafficking of persons. According to CHANGE President, Serra Sippel, "the policy weakens the best HIV prevention efforts among sex workers, and exacerbates stigma and discrimination against already marginalized groups. Any anti-prostitution declaration by organizations working with persons in the sex sector undermines trust among the very people these organizations seek to assist, making it difficult or impossible to provide services or assistance to those at risk."

We commend the court's decision, and look forward to the day when these harmful policy requirements are removed for foreign organizations, as well as U.S. based organizations, and the marginalized populations they serve are given much-needed access to care.

To learn more about CHANGE and the details of the case, visit their site.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Center for Health and Gender Equity, HIV/AIDS,

Celebrate the Fourth of July by Marching for Choice!

2011-07-01T10:36:00.006-05:00

This weekend will be full of barbecues and fireworks for many, but Planned Parenthood supporters will also be marching for choice in Evanston.

Can you join them? Show your support for women's health and celebrate reproductive freedom!

March for Choice in the Evanston Fourth of July Parade on Monday, July 4
Time: 1:00 PM (Parade starts 2:00 PM)
Assemble at: Central St, north side, near Lawndale, in northwest Evanston
(Sector 11 – Position 97 – bet. Lawndale on east & Ridgeway on west)

Sponsored by the Pro-Choice Coalition. For more information, contact North-Northwest Suburban NOW at 815-717-9833 or contact@nwsubnow.org.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Evanston parade

Speak out tomorrow night: Say no to disrespectful and insulting billboards

2011-06-28T10:39:00.003-05:00

You've likely heard about the anti-choice, anti-women billboards that have gone up recently in Chicago. On March 29, 2011, a Texas-based group called LifeAlways erected three billboards in an African American community on the southside of Chicago with the message, "Every 21 minutes, our next possible leader is aborted." These billboards also feature an image of President Barack Obama. Send a message to the sponsors of these billboards to "Stop Targeting Black Women -- Take Down the Racist Billboards in Chicago."

Join in the efforts of a number of local women's health and reproductive rights organizations to stop these billboards. Come to a Speak Out tomorrow, hosted by Black Women for Reproductive Justice and Planned Parenthood, to highlight some of the real issues impacting the lives of Black women and the entire African American community. Listen to a clip from the first speak out here!

WHAT: Speak Out
WHEN: Wednesday, June 29th, 6:00PM - 8:00PM
WHERE: Austin Town Hall, 5610 West Lake Street, Chicago

Call Black Women for Reproductive Justice at 773-955-2709 to find out about all of the work taking place to stop the attacks on Black women.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, anti-choice billboards

Get Yourself Tested on National HIV Testing Day!

2011-06-27T11:21:00.001-05:00

Today is National National HIV Testing Day!

In honor of this special day, we encourage people of all ages to get tested for HIV. Although we have made major advances in prevention and treatment of HIV over the past 30 years, HIV is still spreading:

The CDC estimates that 1.1 million Americans, including 290,000 women, are living with the infection, and a fifth of them don't know it. Sadly, we still lose more than 18,000 people with AIDS in the U.S. each year.

Help fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic by getting tested. Getting tested is easy. And whether you’re positive or negative, knowing your status can help you and your partners stay healthy. Have you already been tested? Encourage your partner and friends to do the same!

Planned Parenthood will keep working to combat HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, but we can’t do it alone. We all have a responsibility to know our status. To find a Planned Parenthood health center near you, or for more information about HIV testing, click here.

Have you been tested for HIV? What was your experience like?

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, HIV Testing, STD, GYT

Check out the broadcast premier of "Woke Up Black."

2011-06-23T10:57:00.000-05:00

Don't miss the documentary film "Woke Up Black," airing this Sunday, June 26th at 4:00PM on channel 11. Produced and directed by filmmaker Mary Morten, "Woke Up Black" has been touring throughout the country and will now be making it's first televised broadcast.

About the film:

"Woke Up Black" followed five black youth for two years. During this time we witnessed interactions with family members, educational institutions, and the legal and judicial system. We saw the social networking that is critical to the successful development of these youth and we provided a rare opportunity to hear youth speak out on some of the important and potentially life- altering topics of the day. The film underscores the humanity that we all share with each other regardless of race or age. For some of the youth profiled, despite extraordinary circumstances, they remain hopeful."

To learn more about the film, visit the website. Meet the cast here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Woke Up Black

Victory in the Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Case!

2011-06-17T13:28:00.000-05:00

Reproductive rights advocates in Illinois have a reason to celebrate today! This morning, the Illinois Appellate Court issued a ruling reversing a Cook County Circuit Court decision granting a motion by the State of Illinois to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the ACLU of Illinois challenging the Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Act.

Lorie A. Chaiten, Director of the ACLU of Illinois Reproductive Rights Project issued the following statement:

Today’s ruling by the Illinois Appellate Court protects the most vulnerable young women in our state. The Court’s decision recognizes that there are serious constitutional issues raised by the Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Act and permits our clients to return to the Circuit Court to present our strong case showing that the Act threatens the health and well-being of young women. The law remains under injunction and cannot be enforced.

We look forward to presenting evidence to a trial court to demonstrate that the harms this law imposes cannot be justified.

Although this fight is not over yet, today's ruling was a huge step towards protecting the safety of Illinois teens. Planned Parenthood agrees that in an ideal world, parents would be involved in their teens' health care, and engaged in healthy dialogue around responsible decision making. Most teens seek their parents' advice and counsel when making decisions about their health care. But in some cases, safe and open communication is not possible. In those cases, research shows mandatory parental notice laws do not enhance parent-teen communication, but they may be harmful to teens' health and well-being.

We applaud today's decision and encourage our government to focus on giving Illinois teens the information they need to make responsible decisions and continue to encourage healthy family communication, not erect barriers to critical health care services.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, ALCU, Parental Notice

New Poll Highlights the Most Dangerous Countries for Women

2011-06-16T14:37:00.002-05:00

A recent New York Times article highlights new TrustLaw poll results from the Thompson Reuters Foundation which list the top five most dangerous places for women around the globe. Thompson Reuters Foundation is the charitable arm of the Reuters news agency. TrustLaw asked 213 gender experts to rank countries by overall perceptions of danger and by six risks, including health threats, sexual violence, non-sexual violence, cultural or religious factors, lack of access to resources and trafficking.

Afghanistan was ranked the most dangerous country for women, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, India and Somalia. The expert poll indicated that:

* Afghanistan tops expert poll of dangers to women
* Congo plagued by rape as weapon of war
* Pakistan blighted by acid attacks and 'honour killings'
* India cited for trafficking and sexual slavery
* Somalia seen as having full gamut of risks

The poll results shed a light on the dangers that so many women face around the world, and in many cases crime victims have no recourse. Poverty, limited access to health services, lack of political will, legal restrictions, cultural taboos, and harsh gender inequality all conspire to put women at risk of harm resulting from unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, unattended childbirth, and unsafe abortion. The PPFA International Program works to build movements that promote and protect the reproductive health and rights of vulnerable women and young people. Planned Parenthood is a leader in working to eliminate barriers to basic reproductive health care services that are essential to the lives of billions of women and men worldwide.

Learn more about PPFA's International Program here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, international program

Take the National Survey on Female Condoms!

2011-06-15T13:59:00.000-05:00

The Female Condom (FC) Access Working Group is conducting a survey to determine people’s attitudes, access to, and use of female condoms. Female Condoms are used by women, men, and transpeople for vaginal and anal sex to protect against sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and unplanned pregnancy.

The survey is intended for people of all genders and sexual orientations in the U.S. who have engaged in vaginal or anal sex at least once in the last 12 months. It only takes a few minutes to complete and no identifying information is requested or recorded. The results will help the Female Condom Access Working Group improve community education, availability, and access to female condoms.

Click HERE to take the survey now!

The Female Condom Access Working Group is comprised of the Chicago Female Condom Campaign (in which Planned Parenthood of Illinois is a lead partner), New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Houston Area FC2 Project, San Francisco Department of Public Health, State of New York Department of Health AIDS Institute, and Washington DC Department of Health.

Please help us get the word out about the survey by posting the link to your Facebook profile and sharing it with your friends! To learn more about the Chicago Female Condom Campaign, visit the website HERE, or find us on Facebook!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, female condom

New Poll Shows Young People's Views on Abortion

2011-06-10T13:49:00.001-05:00

The Public Religion Research Institute has released a wide-ranging poll looking at Millennials’ (young people between the ages of 18 and 29) attitudes and feelings toward abortion.

This new poll provides valuable and ample information regarding young people’s attitudes toward abortion and marriage equality. With 56 percent of Americans saying abortion should be legal in all or most cases, this poll shows increased support for legal abortion (up from 50 percent in a 2010 Gallup poll).

Significantly, 58 percent of Americans say that at least some health care professionals in their communities should provide legal abortions. Support levels are even higher among Millennials (68 percent), who especially think it is important to have health care professionals in their community providing legal abortion. The poll also affirms that there has been stable and consistent majority support for Roe v. Wade over the years, which reflects the fact that it has been settled law for nearly 40 years.

To see more details on the poll findings, click here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, abortion

New Report Reveals the Cost of Teen Childbearing in Illinois

2011-06-09T12:55:00.000-05:00

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unintended Pregnancy’s new report is the latest in a series of recent publications to find that unintended pregnancy and teen childbearing cost taxpayers roughly $11 billion annually. View the campaign's press release here.

According to the report, between 1991 and 2008 there have been approximately 380,195 teen births in Illinois, costing taxpayers a total of $11.9 billion over that period.

Those costs reflect health care and other expenditures that could be avoided if young people had the education and services they needed to prevent pregnancy. This set of analyses further supports calls by Planned Parenthood and advocates of family planning and sex education for young people to have broad access to evidence-based sex education programs, which encourage teens to delay sex and to use contraception and condoms once they do become sexually active. View the report information here.

Past studies have shown that comprehensive sex education programs help prevent teen pregnancy by helping young people to delay intercourse and to use contraception and condoms once they initiate sexual activity. Abstinence-only programs have not proved successful in helping teens delay sex or avoid pregnancy. To learn more about the costs of unintended pregnancies, click here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, teen pregnancy, sex education

Celebrating Estelle Griswold and the Right to Birth Control

2011-06-08T13:34:00.001-05:00

Check out this piece in the Huffington Post on the woman who set the stage for the court battles that would lead to the legalization of birth control:

"Chances are you've never heard of Estelle Griswold. But she radically changed the lives of women in America. Forty-six years ago today, her courage secured a basic right that many of us take for granted today: the right to use birth control to plan and time our pregnancies and to keep our families healthy."

Written by Cecile Richards, this post reminds us of the brave actions by one woman and the tremendous effect her actions had on millions of women. We know that even now, years later, many women struggle to get access to birth control and others are impeded by high costs. It's important to keep Estelle Griswold in mind as we continue to battle the threats to family planning services around the country.

Read the full post here.

Wondering if birth control is right for you? Learn more with Planned Parenthood's My Method tool.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, birth control

Say "NO" to the Racist Billboards Targeting Black Women

2011-06-07T11:24:00.000-05:00

Black Women for Reproductive Justice has organized a speak out this Thursday, June 9th, in response to the anti-choice billboards that have gone up recently in black communities on Chicago's south and west sides. The billboards are a horrendous attempt to shame black women and we will be joining BWRJ and a number of other organizations in taking a stand against these offensive attacks.

Join us at the June 9th Speak Out! Become a part of ongoing efforts to highlight some of the real issues impacting the lives of Black women and the entire African American community. Call BWRJ at 773-955-2709 or email no2billboards@bwrj.org to find out more information.

Thursday, June 9, 2011
6:00pm — 8:00pm
Site Host: Global Girls Theatre at the Park
Grand Crossing Park
7655 S. Ingleside Avenue, Chicago

Can't make it on Thursday? There are other ways to take action. Sign the petition, or call your alderman and let them know you want the billboards taken down.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, anti-choice billboards

Get the FAQs on Civil Unions in Illinois

2011-06-06T16:06:00.000-05:00

Last week, same sex couples were afforded the ability to enter into civil unions for the first time in Illinois. A civil union will grant same sex couples with some of the same legal protections as married couples. The historic day was celebrated by many around the state, including Planned Parenthood of Illinois. We are thrilled to be one step closer to achieving equality for all in Illinois!

Here are some frequently asked questions and the answers from the ACLU:

What is a civil union?
In Illinois, a civil union is a legal relationship between two people -- either of the same or different sex -- providing all of the legal obligations, responsibilities, protections and benefits that the law of Illinois grants to married couples. But a civil union is not a marriage; a civil union does not provide federal protections or responsibilities to couples who enter into one, and a civil union will be recognized only in certain other states, not by all states.

Who can get a civil union?
Two people can enter a civil union if they are:

• at least 18 years old;
• not in a civil union, marriage, or another substantially similar legal relationship;
• not closely related to each other (for example, not a sibling, descendant, aunt, uncle, or cousin).

What rights and responsibilities will couples have if they get a civil union?
Couples who enter into a civil union in Illinois have every obligation and protection provided by Illinois law to married couples. These obligations, responsibilities, protections, and benefits may be found in Illinois statutes, administrative rules, policies, court decisions (common law), or any other source of state law. They include:

*The ability to own property jointly, including the presumption that the property obtained by either partner after joining in a civil union is owned jointly;

*Certain protections against losing your joint property to creditors;

*The right to make decisions about one another’s medical care if either of you is unconscious or otherwise unable to make those decisions;

*Rights to keep private your conversations and to avoid testifying against one another;

*The right to court-supervised distribution of property if you and your partner break up;

*The right to share the same nursing home room;

*Pension protections for surviving partners of teachers, police officers, and firefighters, and those other state, county, and municipal employees whose pension benefits pass to their spouses at death;
*Workers’ compensation benefits for partners of employees who are accidentally injured or killed at work;

*The ability to recover for your partner’s wrongful death;

*Intestacy rights to ensure that your surviving partner will receive some or all of your property if you die without a will.

How can my partner and I enter a civil union?
First, you must fill out an application and present it to the county clerk, with any applicable fees. Once the county clerk ensures that you are qualified for a civil union, he or she will issue a license and a certificate for a civil union. The license becomes effective the next day and expires after 60 days. Once you receive the license and certificate, the civil union must be certified. A civil union may be certified by a judge, a retired judge, a county clerk in counties with more than 2,000,000 inhabitants, by public officials who may solemnize marriages, or by an officiant in accordance with any religious denomination, Indian Nation or Tribe or Native Group. Religious organizations are not required to officiate at a civil union, but they may do so if they wish. The person who officiates over your civil union must complete the certificate and return it to the county clerk within 10 days.

For more information on civil unions, click here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, civil unions

Session Adjourned: Update on Sex Ed Legislation

2011-06-01T13:31:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, the Illinois House adjourned for the Spring Session. HB 3027 was not called for a full vote. The campaign only had six days to get the message out about comprehensive sex education in the Illinois House of Representatives. As a result, we were unable to lobby the full House, and the bill sponsor decided to not call for a vote.

PPIL will be working on this legislation over the summer and into the fall Veto Session. Staff, volunteers, supporters and partner organizations worked very hard and we are so pleased with the progress that was made. We want to thank all of our supporters for their efforts and we look forward to continuing the fight for quality sex education in Illinois!

There is still so much work to be done and we are looking for your help throughout the summer. Are you able to attend an in-district meeting with your legislator? Can you send a letter to your legislator or to a local paper? Contact us at volunteer@ppil.org to learn more. We are always in need of passionate supporters who are willing to get involved!

Sign up for action alerts to stay informed on all the work being done to ensure comprehensive sex education in IL!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, sex ed

Podcast: Volunteer Appreciation Night!

2011-05-31T16:05:00.000-05:00

Planned Parenthood of Illinois recently held the 2011 Volunteer Appreciation Night in order to recognize the tremendous contributions of their volunteers.

Listen in on commentary from the volunteers themselves about their rewarding volunteer experiences.

Also, don't miss out! Send an email to volunteer@ppil.org to begin volunteering at Planned Parenthood of Illinois today!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, podcast, volunteer

Tweeting, Facebooking, and Connecting: Apply to be an Interactive Media Intern at Planned Parenthood of Illinois!

2011-05-27T14:24:00.001-05:00

At our desks!

Planned Parenthood of Illinois is looking for new interns to take over the important communications position of interactive media intern.We are the current interns and we thought we’d introduce ourselves and show you what it’s really like to work for PP!

As interactive media interns, we write blog posts, tweet news, information about events and legislation, record YouTube videos, post clips, photographs, cartoons, songs and more all in the name of connecting supporters to the organization of Planned Parenthood. It takes creativity, enthusiasm for the work of PP, and a good understanding of social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and more.

Alana
Senior at Northwestern University (Class of 2011)
Major: Creative Writing/Business
Hobbies: YouTube surfing, Tweeting, singing, dancing.
Future Plans: Publishing Certificate Program at Columbia University.

As a girl who loves to write, I originally applied for the interactive media intern position because I wanted to work on crafting pieces for the digital space, whether that be formulating tweets with artful abbreviations, or writing blog posts that are punchy, concise, and easy to read. I discovered the internship is so much more then that! One of our major projects was to come up with new ways to gain more followers and interact with the online community of PP supporters. One memorable day, my photo-journalist friend Ray went out with Melanie and me to film people in the streets of downtown Chicago to get them to voice their support for PP in these tough times of anti-choice legislation. People from all walks of life jumped at the chance to show their support; it was truly an amazing experience. Our efforts to increase readership have gotten results too, since Melanie and I started here, our numbers on Facebook and Twitter have increased by hundreds. It’s really nice to see your creative ideas turn into something tangible.

This internship not only made me a fierce and dedicated supporter of Planned Parenthood and everything they do, but also gave me the wonderful feeling that I was really doing something to help the organization do what they do best: assist women/men/teenagers in staying safe, healthy, and happy. If you are interested in marketing, digital media, communications, social policy journalism, writing, or non-profit management, this internship will be invaluable to you.

Melanie
Junior at Depaul University (Class of 2012)
Major: Media and Communications/Women Studies
Hobbies: Reading, baking, photography, exploring.
Future Plans: Graduating early and finding a lovely feminist/activist job!

One of my favorite things about interning at PPIL has been how I’ve gotten to connect with people all over the country—supporters, volunteers, organizations, and other Planned Parenthoods. The huge onslaught of anti-choice legislation started popping up almost immediately after I started working here, and it was incredible to see how many people wanted to get involved. When Alana and I would sign onto the PPIL social media pages every day, we’d be overwhelmed with supportive messages. It was amazing to actually see groups coming together over an issue they cared about. Some people would leave comments and messages letting us know they called a representative, some would post events or videos, and others would drop us a line just saying hello. Being able to respond to them and thank them for their support was so cool—and they were genuinely appreciative and wanted to know what else they could do.

Many of my interning classmates end up making photocopies or answering phones all day, but here I’m given the opportunity to be creative and interact with our supporters. I was able to work with Molly, the Story Project Intern, as she created an awesome podcast series on comprehensive sex ed. I loved writing blog posts on everything from current legislative issues to Charlie Sheen. I had a great time posting articles and stories on our Facebook and Twitter and hearing the diverse opinions of our followers. It’s truly been a unique and invaluable experience. I’ll miss this internship immensely, but at least it will allow someone else to become involved in Planned Parenthood’s mission!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, intern

Tell your state Representative that you support quality sex education in IL

2011-05-26T14:30:00.001-05:00

House Bill 3027, a bill that will ensure age-appropriate, medically-accurate sexual health education to Illinois public schools was approved by the Illinois Senate last night. Now we only have a few days to pass it through the Illinois House. Click here to contact your State Representative!

According to the Guttmacher Institute, comprehensive programs that provide information about both abstinence and contraception can help delay the onset of sexual activity among teens, reduce their number of sexual partners and increase contraceptive use when they become sexually active.

We need to let our legislators know that our youth deserve quality edcuation that will give them the tools they need to stay safe and make healthy decisions. Urge your State Representative to vote YES on the motion to concur with Senate Amendments 1 and 3 to HB 3027.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, sex ed

My Experience as a Planned Parenthood Intern

2011-05-23T14:54:00.001-05:00

Charlotte during a phonebank

During my last undergraduate spring semester, I jumped at an opportunity to be a Planned Parenthood Education Intern. With women’s reproductive health under siege, there is no better time than now to become an intern and stand with Planned Parenthood.

As a Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) Education Intern, I had the pleasure of working with a Teen Awareness Group (TAG), PPIL’s Community Organizer, and the Education Programs Coordinator. In addition to fulfilling my internship responsibilities, I was able to attend TAG meetings and presentations given by TAG members in schools, participate in phonebanks which create another medium for constituents to contact legislators regarding reproductive health and Planned Parenthood, attend Lobby Day in Springfield to lobby for comprehensive, medically accurate sex education, work on the Get Yourself Tested (GYT) Campaign, and attend the Take the Stage Against Violence talent show, which raises awareness about sexual assault and violence.

I feel very lucky to have been an intern for Planned Parenthood. I have gained experience in a work environment that is positive and welcoming to everyone who steps through their door, I’ve networked with many interesting and accomplished professionals, and I’ve worked to defend Planned Parenthood and affordable reproductive healthcare against anti-choice attacks. I hope that many other young people have the same opportunity that I did, to intern for Planned Parenthood and make a difference for women and their families all across the country.

Check out all of the current available intern positions and apply today!

- Charlotte, PPIL Education Intern

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, intern

GYT At Our Mobile Testing Event!

2011-05-20T10:45:00.000-05:00

As many as 1 in 2 sexually active young people will contract an STD by age 25--and most won't know it. Illinois has some of the highest STD rates in the US. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control, Illinois ranks 7th among the 50 states for syphilis and chlamydia, and 11th for gonorrhea.

To help reduce the alarming rate of STDs among young people, Planned Parenthood of Illinois, alongside the Cook County Health and Hospitals System, the Cook County Department of Public Health, and MTV, will give away vouchers for free and low-cost rapid HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea testing during Hopeless Records Take Action Tour concert at the Metro (3730 N. Clark St.) on Sunday, May 22. This mobile awareness event is one of many awareness and prevention activities being held across the country by the GYT (Get Yourself Tested) campaign.

"With this mobile awareness event, we're going to young people and educating them to the fact that STD testing is a simple, quick process that should be apart of their health care," says Kai Tao, Associate Medical Director. "We want them to know that Planned Parenthood is here to provide them with high-quality, affordable care."

The Take Action Tour concerts feature bands such as Silverstein, The Swellers, Bayside, the Polar Bear Club, and Texas in July. Concertgoers will recieve vouchers that can be redeemed for quick, painless STD tests performed at their local Planned Parenthood health clinic. They will also be able to pick up free condoms, STD prevention information, t-shirts, and buttons.

PPIL is incredibly excited about this event, and we'd love to see you there. Here are the event details!

GYT Mobile STD Testing Event
Sunday, May 22
Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., Chicago
Doors open at 5pm, event from 6pm-10pm

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, GYT

Black Women Take a Stand Against Racist Abortion Billboards

2011-05-19T10:37:00.001-05:00

Yesterday Black Women for Reproductive Justice, the Chicago Abortion Fund, Planned Parenthood, and other organizations gathered in Jackson Park to speak out against the racist billboards that have been posted in Chicago and address the real issues black women face today.

Black women shared their stories about the issues they have faced in their lives and stressed the need to address the root of these problems through education and increasing access to quality, affordable health care.

This speak out was the first is a series of speak outs that will take place this summer. If you have a story to share or would like to stand in solidarity with black women, please join us at upcoming speak outs hosted by Black Women for Reproductive Justice:

Wednesday, June 1
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Chicago State University
9501 S. King Drive

Thursday, June 9
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Grand Crossing Park
7655 S. Ingleside Ave

In the meantime, if these billboards make you as mad as they make us, do your part! Here are some things you can do to help take these offensive billboards down:

1. Call the City of Chicago's 311 City Services to file a complaint about the billboards. Tell them you find the billboards racist and sexist and you want them to come down immediately. While you're at it, sign this petition, too! If you are outside the City of Chicago but want to share your opinion of the billboards call (312)744-5000.

2. Call the Aldermans in the wards where the billboards are present. Ask them what actions they are taking in regards to the billboards and urge them to work to remove them.

Aldermen Contact Information
Ald. Carrie M. Austin, 34th Ward: 507 W. 111th, Chicago, IL 60628 — 773-928-6961
Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th Ward: 34 E. 112th Pl., Chicago, IL 60628 — 773-785-1100
Ald Howard B. Brookins, Jr., 21st Ward: 9612 S. Halsted, Chicago, IL 60628 — 773-881-9300
Ald. William Cochran, 20th Ward: 6357 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60637 — 773-955-5610
Ald. Deborah Graham, 29th Ward: 5755 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60651 — 773-261-4646
Ald. Freddrenna Lyle, 6th Ward: 406 E. 75th St., Chicago, IL 60619 — 773-846-7006
Ald. Latasha R. Thomas, 17th Ward: 7811 S. Racine Ave., Chicago, IL 60620 — 773-723-0908
Ald. JoAnn Thompson, 16th Ward: 5335 S. Western Blvd., Chicago, IL 60609 — 773-434-3399

Confirmed Locations of Billboards:
5812 S. State St, 6th Ward
West 51st St. & South Hoyne, 16th Ward
63rd and South St. Lawrence, 6th Ward
63rd and South Rhodes, 6th Ward
67th and South King Drive, 6th Ward
6829 S. Ashland, 17th Ward
647 W. 69th St., 6th Ward
949 E. 75th St., 6th Ward
7843 S. Cottage Grove, 6th Ward
87th and South Justine, 21st Ward
95th and South Princeton, 34th Ward
115th and South King Drive, 9th Ward
120th and South Halsted, 34th Ward
West Chicago Ave. and Central, 29th Ward
West Chicago Ave. and North Menard, 29th Ward

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, tagname, BWRJ, Antichoice Billboards

Next Generation of Female Condoms Arrive in Select Walgreens Locations

2011-05-18T16:06:00.001-05:00

We're thrilled to report that Walgreens will be selling the female condom, starting in 400 of their locations across the United States. Also known as the FC2, the newer version is less expensive than its predecessor, and will set you back just a third of the cost of the original female condom (about $5.99). You can also purchase them online here.

The female condom can be used by men and women for both vaginal and anal sex. It has been heralded as an important form of contraception that prevents the transmission of STDs. It gives the receiver the power to protect in any given sexual situation, which is not typical for male condom use.

"The female condom is one of the only forms of barrier contraception that allow women to be in control over their own sexual health, allowing them protection against unwanted pregnancies as well as HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)," said Carole Brite, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois. "It is a vital tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS."

To learn more about how to use the female condom properly as well as what potential benefits can result from its use, check out the website for the Chicago Female Condom Campaign. The Site has tons of important information including places where you can find the female condom, and plenty of interesting facts. For example, we bet you didn't know the FC2 is made from a special rubber called Nitrile. The material is different from the latex used in male condoms, which can irritate both men and women. Not to mention, you can use the female condom with any type of lubricant without compromising the rubber.

The female condom is a great form of contraception that also protects against STIs. Stop by Walgreens and pick some up today!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Female Condom

Speak Out Against the Racist Anti-Choice Billboards!

2011-05-17T14:18:00.009-05:00

Earlier this year, anti-choice groups posted racist billboards on the South Side chastising black women, yet they completely ignored the real issues affecting their communities. In response, Black Women for Reproductive Justice (BWRJ) and the Chicago Advisory Council on Women will be holding a speak out tomorrow at the Chicago Park District in Jackson Park.

Black women across Chicago will speak publicly about issues impacting their neighborhoods and their families, such as limited access to health care and sex education, high rates of unemployment, economic inequities, and violence. Featured speakers include Jeanne Howard, former Planned Parenthood of Illinois Board Chair; Toni Bond Leonard, President of BWRJ; Gaylon Alcarez, Executive Director of the Chicago Abortion Fund; and Denise D. Ferguson, Director of the Chicago Advisory Council on Women. Black women from local communities will also be sharing their personal stories and experiences.

These condescending ads shame black women and attack a woman's right to choose what is right for her body. Please join us for this opportunity to highlight the real issues, share stories, and let Chicago know we want these billboards taken down!

If you'd like to share your story without an audience, you can download a form here or enter online to have it posted anonymously.

We'd love to see you there!

Speak Out Details:
Wednesday, May 18
6pm-8pm
Chicago Park District, Jackson Park, 6401 South Stony Island

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Black Women for Reproductive Justice, Chicago billboards

Special GYT Podcast: Spreading the Word About Safer Sex!

2011-05-16T17:47:00.004-05:00

Thanks for tuning in! You’re joining us for a synopsis of the 2011 Get Yourself Tested Condom Crawl! This pub crawl, which took place in Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood, was planned to spread the word about the importance of safe sex and getting yourself tested in order to protect your sexual health and that of your partners.

Enjoy--and do your part by getting yourself tested! Click here to find a health center near you.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, GYT

We're Hiring!

2011-05-13T16:50:00.000-05:00

Haven't lined up anything for summer yet? Want to get more involved with Planned Parenthood of Illinois? You're in luck! Many of our offices have openings for internships starting this summer!

Our intern program allows college students and recent graduates to learn about PPIL’s mission and services while gaining work experience in their area of interest. PPIL interns spend their time working on engaging, substantive projects and often make long-lasting professional contacts in non-profit communities. Typically we ask our interns for 10-15 hours a week, and the timing is flexible to help accommodate other commitments. All internships are unpaid, but can potentially be for credit.

Interested in joining our team? Head to our Website and check out the list of opportunities currently available. You'll be asked to upload a resume and submit an online application. Don't see anything for you in the list of available positions? Sign up for Action Alerts to stay involved and up-to-date. Also, be sure to register with our Website and we can let you know right away when positions that would interest you open up!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood,Internship

Indiana's New Law: Medically Inaccurate and Unconstitutional

2011-05-11T09:53:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, Governor Mitch Daniels (R-IN), signed HEA 1210 into law. The legislation cuts off federal funding to all twenty-eight Planned Parenthood centers in the state, instantly taking away access to birth control, cancer screenings and STD testing from thousands of low-income women and men. Why? Because anti-choice elected officials in IN are against one of the services Planned Parenthood provides, which happens to be protected by the constitution. Apparently they've also overlooked the fact that family planning dollars fund preventive health services that are critical to low-income and vulnerable women, not abortion.

The new law also lets physicians provide medically innaccurate information to patients by codifying that "human physical life" begins with the fertilized egg. According to the law, doctors are required to inform their patients that the fetus "may feel pain" in order for an abortion to be "voluntary" and "informed." It also directly contradicts Roe v. Wade by banning any abortion twenty weeks after conception.

We are outraged that Daniels signed this unconscionable legisation that violates a woman's right to make her own health decisions, compromises her ability to access essential healthcare services, and distorts medical information.

In response to Daniels signing HEA 1210 into law, the American Civil Liberties Union of America, along with lawyers from the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, filed a request for an injunction and temporary restraining order in the U.S District Court. If the judge rules in our favor, it would temporarily prevent the leglislation from taking effect as we continue to fight the law. A ruling is expected later this afternoon.

Regardless, Planned Parenthood of Indiana is committed to continuing to provide their healthcare services during the fight against HEA 1210. “By signing this bill, the governor has put the health care of thousands of Hoosiers who rely on federal funding at risk,” said PPIN President and CEO Betty Cockrum. “And by signing when he did, he put patients with appointments tomorrow at PPIN health centers in danger of not getting their birth control or physical exams. However, we’re not going to let that happen. We will see all patients who rely on federal funding that have appointments until we receive a ruling in this case, and will cover those costs out of our Women’s Health Fund.”

Check out this great broadcast from NPR to learn more about the situation and what HEA 1210 reveals about the future challenges our organization will face. To stay informted on the situation as it develops, check out our Facebook page, or Planned Parenthood of Indiana's Facebook page where you'll find updates and articles as the counter-attack on HEA 1210 continues.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Mitch Daniels, HEA 1210

Happy Mother's Day from Planned Parenthood of Illinois

2011-05-08T09:00:00.002-05:00

At Planned Parenthood, we celebrate Mother's Day as a special and happy occasion for all women. Mother's Day commemorates the importance of a mother's role in a family unit and in society as a whole. Mothers are caregivers, philanthropists, workers, activists, and community builders. We believe that it's important to recognize the mothers and grandmothers in our own lives, but also the many women and girls in nations around the world who are fighting for equality and access to essential health care services.

The Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE) works tirelessly to ensure that women all over the world have the same rights and privileges that Planned Parenthood fights for here in the U.S., especially when it comes to reproductive health. Why is this so important? Look at the facts: Worldwide, HIV is the number one killer of women of reproductive age. 50% of women do not receive proper antenatal, delivery, or newborn care. The women of the world are five times more likely to contract an STD than men. Every year 16 million babies are born to adolescent mothers. These numbers are frightening and real. We must improve the lives of women and girls around the globe, thereby creating healthier families and communities.

How can you help? Get informed and get moving! CHANGE is currently supporting a piece of legislation called the Global Sexual and Reproductive Health Act (H.R. 1319). The bill represents an attempt to create a truly comprehensive and integrated approach to reproductive health programs that reflect the real needs of women and girls. The bill includes funding for family planning services, sexual health eduction, STD prevention and more. Here you can find your Representative and urge them to co-sponsor this important bill.

So this Mother's day, in addition to giving your mom a card and some flowers, stand up and take action in her honor to preserve and promote the reproductive health of women all over the world. Only when we work together will we ever see all women gain access to the reproductive health services they so fervently desire and so rightfully deserve.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, CHANGE, Women's Reproductive Health Women's Rights

Celebrating Generations of Healthy Families with PPIL

2011-05-06T15:57:00.002-05:00

This Thursday, Planned Parenthood of Illinois honored generations of supporters at its first-ever Generations: A Celebration of Healthy Families gala at the Chicago History Museum. Nearly 400 supporters attended the event to celebrate how each generation approached the fight for reproductive justice and what Planned Parenthood is doing today for future generations.

“Our collective mission – which we renew tonight – is to make sure that nothing stands in the way of women receiving the health care that they need and deserve,” said Carole Brite, PPIL President and CEO.

Actress and comedienne Julia Sweeney delivered a hilarious monologue about sex education. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders gave a powerful speech about how her generation fought for the reproductive freedoms we enjoy today, yet the battle still rages on.

“We have come a long way to ensure access to comprehensive health care for all women in America,” said Dr. Elders, distinguished professor at the Clinton School of Public Policy. “However, conservative extremists across the country have launched the most aggressive assault on women’s health care in American history. It is now more critical than ever to stand strong to protect the rights we fought so hard to achieve.”

Christina Santiago, Programming Manager at the Lesbian Community Cancer Project (LCCP) at Howard Brown Health Center was honored with the Margaret Wiley Carr Bright Horizons Award for her activism in the reproductive justice movement. Guests also joined in honoring Peggy A. Carr and her son Terry Carr with a tribute video. Peggy Carr was inspired to advocate for women’s health by her mother who supported Planned Parenthood when it was in its infancy. Peggy, now in her 90s, has passed the torch to her son Terry, who has been on the PPIL board for almost 30 years.

We'd like to personally thank everyone who came out to celebrate with us at our event. We would also like to extend a special thanks to our fabulous event co-chairs, Hedy Ratner and Lisa Fiore. Because of your support, PPIL is able to fulfill its mission and continue to provide services to millions of families and individuals of all generations.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Events

Black Women Speak Out in Chicago

2011-05-05T13:43:00.002-05:00

Black Women for Reproductive Justice (BWRJ) and the Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Women will be hosting a speak out on May 18th in Jackson Park in response to the racist billboards that have gone up in African American neighborhoods on Chicago's south and west sides. These disrespectful and insulting ads target black women using shame tactics and attack a woman's legal right to make personal decisions about her own health.

BWRJ invites you to become a part of the ongoing efforts to highlight some of the real issues impacting the lives of Black women and the entire African American community. Attend the May 18th speak out to stand up for women and girls. Call BWRJ at 773-955-2709 or email no2billboards@bwrj.org to learn more about the work taking place to stop the attacks on Black women.

SPEAK OUT
Wednesday, May 18, 20116:00pm — 8:00pm
Chicago Park District — Jackson Park
6401 S. Stony Island, Chicago

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, chicago billboards,

Act Now on the Smith Bill!

2011-05-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

When will the madness end? Planned Parenthood has had some amazing victories over the past few months, but there's still another extremely dangerous bill threatening the health and privacy of individuals in the US. This bill is H.R. 3, the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion" Act. We've written about the Smith Bill before, and unfortunately this bill just hasn't gone away. The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on this legislation tomorrow, so it's imperative that we take action now.

Here are some of the horrendous guidelines imposed by H.R. 3, if passed:

-The IRS could conduct rape audits, meaning women will have to prove that they were raped in order to receive insurance coverage for an abortion.

-Women would be forced to report their abortions to their employers.

-The bill would deny abortion coverage for millions of low-income women, federal employees, and military women.

The Smith Bill has nothing to do with saving taxpayers' money--instead, it merely aims to restrict women's access to abortions and invade their privacy. There's not much time left until the voting begins, but with your voice, we can stop the attack on health care and reproductive rights. Please contact your representative today and tell them to vote NO to the Smith Bill. Every voice counts!

If you'd like to know more about H.R. 3, here is an excellent FAQ page that can give you all the details.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Smith bill, health care

Free HIV Testing at Near North!

2011-04-29T10:25:00.000-05:00

About 1.1 million people are living with HIV, and 56,000 new infections occur each year. To keep you and your partners safe and healthy, your best bet is to get yourself tested. There may be only one day left in GYT (Get Yourself Tested) month, but that doesn't mean you need to miss out! Planned Parenthood of Illinois' Near North center will be offering free HIV testing tomorrow and on May 14 from 9:00am-2:00pm. All are welcome and encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to take control of their sexual health!

Here are all the details:

Free HIV Testing Days
April 30 & May 14, 9am-2pm
Planned Parenthood of Illinois, Near North
1200 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, GYT, HIV

Gonorrhea Growing Resistant to Antibiotics

2011-04-26T14:19:00.000-05:00

The New York Daily News recently reported that gonorrhea is becoming more resistant to many drugs used to treat it. Researchers in both the US and the UK have reported that they see an increasing number of gonorrhea cases that do not respond to certain antibiotics.

Gonorrhea is one of the most common STDs, especially for young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 years old. It is commonly treated with oral antibiotics. However, in 2009, researchers found that nearly a quarter of gonorrhea strains were resistant to a number of antibiotics used for treatment, including penicillin, tetracycline, and fluoroquinolones. What's even more concerning is that data from early 2010 is showing that many cases of gonorrhea are also growing resistant to cephalosporins, the only class of antibiotics left to treat the disease.

Scientific jargon aside, this could have major implications for our sexual health. Many people who are infected with gonorrhea show no symptoms and aren't even aware they have it, making it easily passed from one person to another. Couple this with drug-resistant infections and you have a big problem.

But this doesn't have to be as scary as it sounds! Prevention and awareness are key, and the best way to prevent contracting a sexually transmitted infection in the first place is by practicing safe sex. If you are sexually active, using condoms consistently and correctly is one of the best ways to protect you and your partner from STDs. It's also a good idea to get yourself tested on a regular basis to catch any health issues early on. Taking control of your sexual health is an excellent way to ensure that your sex life is safe, healthy, and happy.

April is Get Yourself Tested (GYT) month, so be sure to visit the GYT page to learn more about gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted infections!
Ready to get tested but not sure where to go? Click here to locate a health center near you!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, GYT, STDs

Help Take Action Against Offensive Anti-Choice Billboards

2011-04-20T12:10:00.000-05:00

Chicago Billboard

Black Women for Reproductive Justice (BWRJ) has launched two online petitions to counter a series of shocking billboards that have begun to appear in major cities in the U.S, with new ones appearing in St. Louis as recently as last week. Read today's Tribune article on this issue.

We encourage all Planned Parenthood supporters in Illinois to step up and help protest the proliferation of these offensive messages on city streets. The billboards are discriminatory and flagrantly attack the legal right of African-American women to make their own reproductive choices. These messages represent a dispicable and overblown attempt to sensationalize anti-choice sentiments and shame black women.

New York City Billboard

What can you do to help? Sign these petitions: one targeting Lake Outdoor, the advertising company that allowed the billboards to be posted, and one targeting the LifeAlways organization that came up with the concept for the ads. Send these links to your friends and together we can rid the public streets of these hateful, racist messages.

In addition, the Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF) will be hosting a "Clean Up the Lot and Community Resource Fair” on Saturday April 23rd from 9am until 4pm. This event will take place at 58th State Street on the South Side of Chicago at the site of several anti-choice billboards. According to CAF, the clean-up and resource day is "the community's response to outsider interference and judgment in regards to the shameful and disrespectful billboards placed in poor communities around the Chicago land area." Over twenty community organizations will gather to clean up the neglected empty lot and share information with community residents on how to access health care, education/training, low-cost birth control and other resources. For more information, click here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, billboards, Anti-Choice

Planned Parenthood Action Fund Radio Ads Launch

2011-04-19T15:39:00.000-05:00

In light of the Congressional hearings over budget cuts for women's health care, Planned Parenthood is taking to the airwaves. We have launched several radio spots to highlight the representatives who voted to bar funding for preventative health services. The failed proposal to deny federal funding for preventative services would have taken the most basic care away from the millions of women and families who rely on Planned Parenthood's health centers. The members of Congress who voted against Planned Parenthood were voting against access to basic and preventative care, like Pap tests, cancer screenings, birth control, and testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

The radio spot, titled "Courtney's Story," features a woman with endometriosis recounting how Planned Parenthood gave her the basic care she needed to stay healthy and have a son.

"Courtney's story is the story of women we see every year," said Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards. "That's why we are educating the public about how some members of Congress voted to deny Courtney and women like her access to basic, preventative health care."

She's right: there are many people out there with stories like Courtney's. Three million patients receive care from Planned Parenthood each year, and 1 in 5 women have received care from Planned Parenthood at some point. That's why it's so important to let these representatives know that when they vote against funding preventative services, they're voting against the health of millions of people.

You can catch our ad responding to Illinois reps Joe Walsh and Randy Hultgren by clicking here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Title X

Charlie Sheen & Victim-Blaming

2011-04-18T11:28:00.000-05:00

By now, we've all read quotes from his nonsensical rants plastered under pictures of kittens, as captions to New Yorker cartoons, and featured in hundreds of other Internet memes. Charlie Sheen has been basking in the spotlight lately due to his colorful statements about his fame, "epic" partying, and dangerous drug use. But why is it that Sheen's self-abuse is seen as an endless stockpile of entertainment, but his history of violence towards others is simply sidestepped? In 1994, a college student sued Sheen for allegedly striking her in the head for refusing to sleep with him. In 1996, sex film actress Brittany Ashland said he had thrown her to the floor in the middle of a fight. In 2006, Sheen's then-wife Denise Richards filed a restraining order against him after stating that he had pushed her and threatened to kill her. And these are just a few cases.

In a recent interview, Piers Morgan asked Sheen if he had ever hit a woman. Sheen dizzily rambled that "Women are not to be hit; they're to be hugged and caressed," and the subject was dropped. While the long-term effects his career may suffer are still in question, there's no doubt that Sheen's behavior has won him major publicity and even increased fandom. His antics have been chalked up to his "bad boy status" and "rebellious" lifestyle, but his domestic violence cases have been dismissed almost entirely. Why is it that other celebrities' (such as Chris Brown's) careers suffer from their violent behavior but Sheen's violence is lumped in with his Hollywood lifestyle?

One possible explanation for this may be the questionable reputations given to the various women who have accused Sheen of threatening or hurting them. Several of the women are escorts or porn stars; some are less-famous stars mostly recognized for their appearance and sex appeal. Most of the women have been labeled "sluts" and "gold-diggers"--but not only are these words hurtful and judgmental, they are also not an invitation for violence. Unfortunately, we see a lot of victim-blaming in our culture. Women who suffer abuse but who also engage in partying or sex work are often written off with claims that "they were asking for it" or should have expected it. People assert that women put themselves at risk when they enter parties, the sex business,or when they get involved with erratic personalities like Charlie Sheen.

This demeaning outlook on violence needs to stop. Discounting a victim's experience because of his or her identity or choices is not only problematic, it holds serious implications for how our culture approaches instances of rape and violence, not to mention how it values women. Women (and all humans, for that matter) are not disposable, and individuals should never be written off or blamed for the violence other's inflict upon them.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, abuse

Thank You, Illinois!

2011-04-15T10:44:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, the Senate voted to reject the proposal to cut federal funding for Planned Parenthood's preventative health care services--a big victory for Planned Parenthood, our supporters, and our patients. Here in Illinois, we'd like to send a huge thank you to the representatives from both parties who stood up for us in the fight.

We are extremely grateful to Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk for voting with Planned Parenthood. We'd also like to thank Representatives Bob Dold, Judy Biggert, Mike Quigley, Luis Gutierrez, Jesse Jackson, Bobby Rush, Jan Schakowsky, and Danny K. Davis. Thank you for standing up for Planned Parenthood and the millions of women and families we serve each year. Because of you, we can continue to provide affordable health care to all those who rely on us.

And of course, thank you to all our wonderful volunteers and supporters who wrote letters, called their reps, rallied, and spoke out for us. Your efforts truly made the difference and we couldn't have done it without you! If you haven't checked it out already, be sure to watch this video that Planned Parenthood put together to thank all those who stood with us.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, health care, Title X, Pence

Podcast Ep. 6: Let's Pass the Illinois PREP Act!

2011-04-14T10:10:00.000-05:00

Last week, we introduced the Illinois Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) Act. In the sixth and final episode of our podcast series, “Common Sense: The Case for Comprehensive Sexual Education in Illinois,” we’ll give you the tools to make your voice heard.

This episode will also include highlights from the PREP Act’s Lobby Day in Springfield that took place on March 30th. You’ll get to listen in on the hundreds of supporters who rallied for this important issue, with exclusive interviews from members of our Teen Awareness Group on their Lobby Day experience. And to end our series on an empowering note, Kate Barthelme, Director of Field Operations at Planned Parenthood of Illinois, will share ways that you can get involved in ensuring the passage of the Illinois PREP Act.

Thank you so much for tuning into our podcast series. We hope you enjoyed listening to the episodes as much as we enjoyed creating them! The PREP Act’s voting deadline is April 15, so don’t miss your chance to create real change in our schools and in our teens’ lives. Every action helps and every voice counts!

Action Links:

To support the campaign for comprehensive sex education, call your senator and tell them to vote YES to the Illinois PREP Act. You can find your senator's name and contact information here.

For additional information, please visit Planned Parenthood of Illinois’s website at PPIaction.org

To share your own story: send your name, phone number, email address and story to mystory@ppil.org.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, podcast, comprehensive sex education

The Fight for Health Care Continues

2011-04-12T15:07:00.002-05:00

Friday night's decision regarding the Title X budget cuts was a huge victory for Planned Parenthood, our supporters, and our patients. Despite the stress and severity of the event, we are grateful for the countless supporters who rallied, organized, and spoke out for women's health. Unfortunately, the fight isn't over yet.

Over the weekend, House leadership proposed a free-standing bill that once again targets Planned Parenthood and its services.As part of the final spending deal, House Republican leaders demanded that the Senate vote on a proposal to bar Planned Parenthood from providing birth control and lifesaving cancer screenings and other care to millions of women. Having failed last week to bar Planned Parenthood from participating in federal health programs, these leaders are trying once again to deny women access to the doctors and nurses at Planned Parenthood health centers.

Rep. Mike Pence and his allies continue to stand by their argument that cutting funding for one of America's most trusted and cost-effective providers of basic women's health care is intended to reduce federal funding for abortion. But this is just a ruse. Congress banned federal funding for abortion through the Hyde Amendment over 30 years ago. This is not about abortion--it's about denying millions of men and women access to cancer screenings, STI tests, and affordable birth control. By blocking access to these services,the need for abortion will actually increase.

“The continued misleading attacks on Planned Parenthood expose a cynical and coldhearted willingness to further a divisive political agenda even if it willdeny women access to lifesaving cancer screenings and birth control," said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

The proposal is bad politics and a bad decision, and most Americans know it. CNN released a poll yesterday showing that 65 percent of Americans favor continued support for Planned Parenthood. We know how valuable these services are to women and men all over the country, and we don't intend to let extremists take them away. The House is expected to vote on the measure tomorrow and the Senate on Thursday. Let's finally put an end to this attack! Stay tuned for the latest news on this fight.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, budget, Pence

April is Get Yourself Tested Month!

2011-04-11T10:52:00.000-05:00

MTV and Planned Parenthood have teamed up this month to raise awareness for STDs and the importance of getting tested. Every person in the US who is sexually active is at-risk for contracting an STD. Every year, over 19 million Americans are infected with an STD. By the age of twenty-five, one in two sexually active people will have contracted an STD.

The bad news? Often STDs don't have any manifested symptoms, and infected people often have no idea they have anything. The long-term effects of these diseases on women and men can range from increased risk for certain types of cancer to infertility. The good news? You can get tested and treated if you contract an STD. Every single STD is treatable, and some can be completely cured.

Don't forget to talk to your partner about getting tested and the proper ways to protect yourselves from contracting STDs in the first place. It may sound like an awkward conversation to have, but you'll be glad you did when you can rest assured that your sex life is safe, happy, and STD-free. If you still feel nervous about bringing it up, here are some videos to help you think about the right way to approach the conversation.

Ready to get tested but you're not sure where to go? This Website lets you type in your zipcode to locate the testing center nearest you. So what are you waiting for? Get Yourself Tested.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, GYT, STDs, Safe Sex

Government Attack on Planned Parenthood

2011-04-08T13:37:00.002-05:00

These are some of the most extreme measures we've seen: Congress is threatening to shut down the federal government tonight if no budget agreement can be made. Anti-choice politicians are still trying defund Planned Parenthood and Title X, the nation's family planning program. The debate has been mostly centered around abortion, yet anti-choice representatives don't seem to care that Title X funds have nothing to do with abortion. Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers cannot use federal funds to pay for abortion services. That's how we know this is not about being pro-life or pro-choice--it's about attacking women and their right to health care.

"It's an outrage to shut down the government over an extreme proposal that would deny millions of women Pap tests, breast cancer screenings, and birth control," Planned Parenthood of Illinois CEO Carole Brite said in a statement. "Attacking Planned Parenthood's preventative health care hurts women, does not cut the deficit or fix the economy, and must be stopped."

It's true: cutting Title X funds actually costs more money than keeping these programs in place. For every dollar invested in family planning, tax payers save $3.74 in Medicare-related costs. In 2008 alone, Title X dollars in Illinois saved $96,620,000 in public funds by helping women avoid unintended pregnancies. Without these services, the abortion rate in Illinois would be 24 percent higher. Furthermore, defunding Planned Parenthood would cause millions of women to lose access to the health care they need. More than 90 percent of care Planned Parenthood provides is preventative. Every year, Planned Parenthood doctors and nurses provide:

-19,572 cervical cancer screenings
-21,393 breast exams
-affordable birth control to nearly 60,000 patients
-34,770 tests and treatments for sexually transmitted infections including HIV testing

These services are vital to American women and their communities. Planned Parenthood needs your support now more than ever. Click here to call your Senators now--it may be our last chance to protect this crucial funding.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, health care

Generations Gala Featuring Special Guest, Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders!

2011-04-07T11:18:00.000-05:00

Planned Parenthood of Illinois' Generations Gala in celebration of healthy families is coming up in just a few short weeks! This event will feature several champions of women's health care. One incredible woman we are honored to have join us at the gala is Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders.

Dr. Elders served as head of the Arkansas Department of Health from 1987-1992. Her advocacy and lobbying led to an expansion of the state's prenatal program and a K-12 curriculum that included sex education, substance-abuse prevention, and self-esteem programs. She later became the 15th US Surgeon General, appointed by former President Bill Clinton in 1993. She was the first African American and the second woman to hold this position. During her term, she was an outspoken advocate for many health-related issues. She now is a Distinguished Professor of Public Health at the University of Arkansas School of Public Health, as well as a Distinguished Professor at the Clinton School of Public Policy. She continues to give lectures on issues such as HIV/AIDS and teen pregnancy.

During the Senate hearings on her confirmation to the US Surgeon General's post, Dr. Elders stated, "I want to change the way we think about health by putting prevention first. I want to be the voice and vision of the poor and powerless. I want to change concern about social problems that affect health into commitment. And I would like to make every child born in America a wanted child."

Dr. Elders has done some truly amazing and transformative work. We are ecstatic that she will be a special guest at our event.

We'd love to have you join us, too! Visit the event page for more information and buy tickets here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, events

Podcast Ep. 5: The Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP)

2011-04-05T15:14:00.000-05:00

We are excited to introduce the fifth episode in our podcast series, "Common Sense: The Case for Comprehensive Sexual Education in Illinois." This week's episode will focus on an awesome new bill currently under consideration in the Illinois Senate, the Personal Responsibility Education Program, also known as the Illinois PREP Act.

This bill would require public schools that teach sexual health classes to offer an age-appropriate, medically accurate comprehensive sexual education curriculum. This curriculum would include both abstinence and evidence-based information regarding the prevention of pregnancy and disease. We will be joined by Brigid Leahy, the Director of Legislative Affairs at Planned Parenthood of Illinois to discuss the importance of the PREP Act and the incredible impact comprehensive sexual education would have on Illinois teens and their communities. This bill will be voted on by the State House by April 15, so make sure to see the Action Links below to show your support today!

Action Links:

To support the campaign for comprehensive sex education, send a letter to your senator and tell him or her to vote YES on the Illinois PREP Act.

For additional information, please visit Planned Parenthood of Illinois’s website at PPIaction.org

To share your own story: send your name, phone number, email address and story to mystory@ppil.org.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Illinois PREP Act, comprehensive sex ed, podcast

Older Women's Sexual Health Web Chat

2011-04-04T14:27:00.001-05:00

What happens to women, sexually, as they age? Which problems are most common and which remedies work? What are the keys to remaining sexually healthy and active?

Chicago Tribune health reporter Judy Graham will be exploring these questions on a web chat about older women's sexual health tomorrow at noon. Dr. Lauren Streicher and Sheryl Kingsberg will be the featured panelists. From ChicagoTribune.com:

Lauren Streicher, M.D. is an assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. She is a fellow in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a member of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopic Surgeons, among several other organizations. An in-demand speaker and media commentator, Dr. Streicher has a particular interest and expertise in sexual health, menopause, minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic hysterectomy and alternatives to hysterectomy.

Sheryl A. Kingsberg, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, is a professor of reproductive biology and psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and chief of the division of behavioral medicine at the department of obstetrics/gynecology at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland. Kingsberg is a principle investigator for clinical trials in hypoactive sexual desire disorder and co-editor of an online curriculum on sexual health published by the North American Menopause Society. Her main interests are female sexual function and the psychological aspects of infertility and menopause.

For more information or to submit questions in advance of the seminar click here.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Sexual Health, Chicago Tribune

Lobby Day in Springfield for Comprehensive Sex Ed!

2011-04-01T15:10:00.002-05:00

This Wednesday, around 100 people gathered in Springfield to lobby for comprehensive sexual health education in Illinois. Three packed buses left from Chicago, and many others drove in from all over the state to show their support. The Lobby Day was put on by the Campaign for Reproductive Health and Access, a broad coalition of women's, youth and reproductive health and justice organizations in Illinois.

Supporters lobbied for SB 1619, also known as the Illinois Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) Act. This act would require public schools that offer sexual health education classes to teach medically accurate, age-appropriate courses for adolescents in grades 6-12. This bill is a huge deal because it would give evidence-based, comprehensive information on sexual health to our teens, providing them with the necessary tools to protect themselves.

The PREP Act would not abolish the teaching of abstinence in schools. In fact, the bill would require instruction on abstinence from sexual

intercourse as the only protection that is 100% effective. It would also require the inclusion of information on contraception. Parents would also have the option to remove their children from the courses without penalty if they choose. Overall, the Illinois PREP approach would give teens a comprehensive, complete, and age-appropriate sex education program. It's common sense: by requiring schools to teach medically accurate, evidence-based sexual education, SB 1619 would reduce unintended pregnancies, STI's and HIV/AIDS in youth.

Senator Heather Steans, the lead sponsor of the bill, spoke to the crowd before they headed off to the Capitol Building. She thanked everyone for coming out to support the PREP Act and rallied the crowd! We'd like to thank Senator Steans for sponsoring such a groundbreaking bill. Thanks again to everyone else who joined us for Lobby Day--we loved seeing such a large group come together to speak out for this important issue!

The bill will be voted on in in the Illinois Senate by April 15, so make sure to send a letter to your Senator urging him or her to vote YES on the Illinois Prep Act!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Illinois PREP Act

Podcast Ep. 4: Why Should You Support Comprehensive Sex Education?

2011-03-30T10:20:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Episode 4 in our weekly podcast series, “Common Sense: The Case for Comprehensive Sexual Education in Illinois.” Our last episode covered the information and options included in comprehensive sexual education. This week, we will be offering scientific and public support for requiring this curriculum in our public schools.

We will also be answering the often-posed question: how does comprehensive sex education affect teens’ sexual health? Tune in now to hear interviews with supporters, teachers, and students from Planned Parenthood’s Teen Awareness Group on why they support comprehensive sex ed, what they want their community’s adolescents to learn, and the effects it could have on their community.

Action Links:

Click here to learn how you can volunteer with Planned Parenthood of Illinois!

To view the fact sheet referenced in this podcast or find out more about sexual health, click here.

For additional information, please visit Planned Parenthood of Illinois’s website.

To share your own story: send your name, phone number, email address and story to mystory@ppil.org.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, podcast, comprehensive sex ed

Talking Back to Anti-Choice Racism

2011-03-29T15:43:00.000-05:00

A shocking attack on women's choice was launched today, this time in the form of 30 billboards featuring President Obama's face posted on the South Side of Chicago. The billboards are an offensive and condescending effort to stigmatize and shame African-American women while attempting to limit their ability to make private, personal medical decisions. Read Planned Parenthood's statement here.

This coordinated national campaign spearheaded by a Texas group is a reprehensible tactic and is harmful to women in every community who need quality, affordable health care. Planned Parenthood knows that every woman, of every background, takes her health decisions seriously and makes deeply personal decisions after consulting with her doctor and with loved ones she trusts.

Other organizations are speaking out as well. Gaylon Alcarez, executive director of the Chicago Abortion Fund, said in a statement, "Women have a legal right to access abortion services and should not be shamed regarding the personal choices they make. Abortion is a personal decision, not a political discussion. Only we, women of color, can speak for our communities. Only we, women of color, know what is best for our families."

Planned Parenthood believes that racism is wrong and has absolutely no place in the delivery of healthcare. Our doors are open to everyone. Every person should have access to high-quality, affordable health care; ensuring this access is critical to eliminating the health disparities among racial and ethnic groups.

Black Women for Reproductive Justice has also taken a stand against the billboards. President and CEO Toni Bond Leonard said in an official statement, "We will not be silent victims in this assault upon our reproductive and racial integrity. Their placement of these billboards in the Black community only further highlights their lack of competency around the reproductive health disparities that Black women and girls face and these groups’ unwillingness to deal with the social and economic disparities of the entire Black community."

We know that African-American women are disproportionately affected by the current health care system which involves multiple barriers to accessing quality, affordable care. This results in higher rates of sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancy and abortion.

Planned Parenthood of Illinois works every day with women of all background to improve the quality of their health care and to help them keep themselves and their families healthy through education, preventive care, and screenings for major health problems regardless of their ability to pay.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, abortion, anti-choice,