Sadly, there was no Planned Parenthood where I grew up in rural West Virginia; my first encounter with the organization was as a college student in North Carolina.  Following a referral by campus health for an abnormal pap smear, I found myself all alone at a local ob-gyn’s office for a colposcopy.  Since I didn’t really know what a colposcopy was or fully understand why I needed one, I was considerably anxious.  My most salient memory from that visit is the doctor’s reaction when a single tear slipped from the corner of my eye during the procedure.  In what I can only guess was an awkward attempt to comfort me, this rather gruff, older man asked:  “Now, how are you going to have a baby one day if you can’t tolerate this?”  I knew there had to be better, kinder care out there, and soon after I found Planned Parenthood, where I received a thorough explanation of my diagnosis and of the various treatment options available.  That was about twenty years ago, and I’ve stayed with Planned Parenthood ever since for my gynecological and contraceptive healthcare.  I have stayed not because I’m broke or uninsured – I’m one of the lucky ones who has had decent medical insurance coverage for most of my adult life – but because I know it’s a place where I can count on competent, nonjudgmental care.  I stand with Planned Parenthood because I am an appreciative and satisfied client.

I also had the privilege of working for Planned Parenthood – in various roles – for several years.  During that time I encountered some of the most committed, compassionate and talented people I have ever met.  I witnessed firsthand the creative and efficient use of limited resources; I marveled at the nature and breadth of accomplishments made under very challenging conditions; and I participated in the provision of services that, in both small and great ways, changed people’s lives for the better.  But perhaps what best illustrated for me the nature of this organization was the warm and supportive response I received upon my resignation, when – during a time of significant growth and transition for the agency – I announced to my work family my desire to stay at home with my infant daughter.  Rather than dwell on any concerns about project delays or workload issues, which often arise in such situations, my colleagues instead celebrated my choice:  my child.  I stand with Planned Parenthood because I am a proud and appreciative former employee.

Finally, I stand with Planned Parenthood as a woman of childbearing age, because if tomorrow I learned I was pregnant, I would likely choose to have an abortion.  And in that case, I would want to be able to go to the same caring professionals who have provided me with quality gynecological care and birth control for years.  I consider abortion services part of my potential healthcare needs – my comprehensive, preventive, reproductive healthcare.  I recognize that in today’s social and political climate – where funding is on the line, votes are at stake, women’s rights are in jeopardy and providers’ safety is compromised – it is perhaps more politically savvy and fiscally responsible for Planned Parenthood leaders and supporters to highlight the importance of less controversial health services, like breast exams and pap smears.  But I also worry that – in the long run – we do ourselves a great disservice by (ever so subtly) apologizing for abortion, as if the concept of choice is a noble one, but the act of abortion a necessary evil.  And so, I stand with Planned Parenthood not in spite of the fact that it provides abortion, but because it provides abortion.  I stand with Planned Parenthood because what it stands for remains tried and true:  every child a wanted child.  Who can’t stand up for that???