As an OB-GYN and Navy veteran with over 20 years of experience, I strongly and unequivocally believe that all patients who need to access sexual and reproductive care should be able to do so without facing barriers to the critical care they deserve.

I came to Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest seven years ago because I knew that I needed to offer patients the full spectrum of sexual and reproductive health care. Like so many of us, I am here because Planned Parenthood believes in reproductive freedom.

I want to thank you for being a part of that mission and the work that happens in Planned Parenthood health centers every day.

At a time when we should be expanding access to care, we're facing ongoing attacks and new bans and restrictions on essential health care. At a time when we should be pouring money into sexual and reproductive health care, into maternal health, to lift up our country — federal programs are being cut, undermined, or outright eliminated.

So what keeps me going?

First, it's working together with the entire Planned Parenthood community, including people like you, to help protect reproductive freedom. It's so important to be able to stand up for Planned Parenthood patients and to say that abortion is health care, and that lawmakers need to stay out of my exam room.

More than anything, it's my patients who keep me motivated and determined, no matter what.

Every day that I see patients, every day that I help them make informed decisions about their health, that's what keeps me going. When someone has traveled from Arizona, from Florida — or when active duty military folks and their families come to see us — a visit to a Planned Parenthood health center can change their whole world, their whole future.

I know this is the right place for me to be and the right fight for me to take on. And I know that all of it depends on this incredible community of supporters, donors, and volunteers. I want you to know how much your support means and what a difference it makes for Planned Parenthood health centers and the patients we see.

Sincerely,

Dr. Toni Marengo
Chief Medical Transformation Officer, Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest