At Planned Parenthood, our mission is simple, and our vision is clear: We're building a future where everyone, everywhere, has the information and care they need to make their own decisions about their own bodies.

This week, Planned Parenthood patient advocates took to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. to show lawmakers exactly why health care matters.

Planned Parenthood patient advocates met with members of Congress to share their personal stories and educate lawmakers about the wide range of services provided at Planned Parenthood nonprofit affiliate health centers.

Here's what Planned Parenthood patient advocate Christina from Florida had to say:

Planned Parenthood patient advocates on Capitol Hill meeting with members and staff to share their stories, as part of a Lobby Day hosted by Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

Without Planned Parenthood nonprofit affiliate health centers, people like Christina might not get the care they need or deserve. Christina's diagnosis is just one example of the compassionate, high-quality health care Planned Parenthood health center providers and staff offer to millions of people across the country. This Lobby Day was crucial to ensuring that lawmakers hear the stories that happen every single day.

And none of this would be possible without you. While some lawmakers have been working to take away care — even threatening to shut down the government to force their anti-abortion agenda into must-pass bills — supporters like you have come together to ensure that members of Congress are working hard to protect access to sexual and reproductive health care and protect Planned Parenthood services.

No matter the reason a patient goes to a Planned Parenthood health center, care and information are the cornerstones of Planned Parenthood's work. We'll continue to raise our voices and break down barriers to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.

Sincerely,