OneVoice: The Birds, the Bees and Planned Parenthood
Some of us remember the first time we learned about the birds and the bees. Sexual education is taught to young adults in many different ways, sometimes it is through friends or classmates, sometimes from parents, and often through the internet or social media. I remember learning about sex, puberty, relationships, sexually transmitted diseases at the age of 13 at Planned Parenthood clinic in Salt Lake City. I have a feeling that not many, (particularly those living in Utah) learn about sexual health through an organization such as Planned Parenthood such as I did. I credit this to my parents support and affiliation with PP. My mother in particular has been a strong supporter of PP for many years. When she was younger she accessed Planned Parenthoods health services from 18 years old through the early years of her adult life. She has personally experienced the benefits of affordable and accessible sexual health care through PP and has since become very active in the community to promote this organization. When I was a year old she strapped me into my baby backpack and took me to my first pro-choice rally. Just after my little brother was born my mother was nominated for the Planned Parenthood Affiliate board. She served on the board until 1999 and then served on the PP Political Action Committee for about 6 years in the early 2000’s. To this day she is still an active member and supporter of what Planned Parenthood offers to the public. You could say, I have been a PP supporter since I was an infant.
Although I do not remember my first pro-choice rally I do remember going to an education workshop hosted through PP. I remember how awkward it was to be in a room with other teens my age and learn about sex, puberty, birth control, STD’s, pregnancy, dating and the changes in my own body. But now looking back on it, I realize how much I truly appreciate what I learned as a teen. I believe that being educated on sex at 13 helped me to make healthier decisions and understand the ramifications of having unprotected sex. I think that it is important to recognize that most teens are not thoroughly educated on sex and in effect can have harsh consequences.
Living in Utah, sex education is practically forbidden in the public school system and although I went to a private school where we were taught about sex ED, I can credit a lot of my early education on sexual health to Planned Parenthood. For years, Utah has had strict legislation again sex education. Controversy around PP and similar organizations is not limited to Utah or any state but is a nationwide hot topic. Recently, Utah Governor Herbert told the State Health Department to stop funding PP with state grants. These funds were federal grants that the state of Utah administered for STD testing and outreach educational programs throughout the state of Utah. Although some supported this, others did not. A rally was orchestrated at the Utah State capitol last year in August 2015 and the turnout far surpassed what was expected.
Many rural Planned Parenthood clinics have taken a hit from the loss of funding and the health department has noticed an increase in some STD’s in these areas such as gonorrhea. I think it is important to fund Planned Parenthood not only in Utah but nationwide. I feel most people associate PP solely with abortion and this is point blank untrue. The primary focus of Planned Parenthood is on funding on health examinations, education programs, STD testing and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. PP offers affordable and accessible sexual healthcare to those who may not have access to primary and preventative healthcare. I am a supporter of PP, I have been going to Planned Parenthood for years now for birth control, annual exams and sexual health concerns. I have also volunteered at the Planned Parenthood clinic located in Salt Lake City for a short period of time. I have made donations to help with the ongoing effort to educate, support and help those who need healthcare in Utah. I hope that others can understand and recognize how important Planned Parenthood clinics can be in bettering the health of those in all communities.
— Erica Houck
(https://twitter.com/houckerica1)
(This blog post is part of our ongoing OneVoice Campaign, everyone has a voice and here at Rally Newz we encourage everyone to share their individual voice and opinion to help make change happen! The views expressed in this blog post are those of the contributor and does not represent the views of Rally Newz. If you are interested in becoming a contributor, please email us at Info@rallynewz.com. Rally Newz provides Rally/Protest information, Issue, Candidate information and customized news, allowing you to educate yourself and get involved. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rally-newz-power-politics/id1045746803?mt=8)
