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National Voter Registration Day + Lizzo + We are Planned Parenthood
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...It's so hard trying to love yourself in a world that doesn't love you back, am I right? So I want to take this opportunity right now to just feel good as hell. Because you deserve to feel good as hell. So tell me how you're feeling?"
— Lizzo |
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At this year's VMAs, Lizzo rocked an exclusive Sophie Ratner "Bans Off" necklace. Politicians have filed 300+ bills restricting abortion in states across the U.S. this year. Lizzo is among nearly 140 celebrities who are raising awareness around Planned Parenthood's " Bans Off My Body" campaign — and educating supporters about how harmful these abortion bans are. |
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Title X
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ICYMI — Planned Parenthood has been forced out of the Title X program, the nation's only federal program dedicated to affordable birth control and reproductive health care. Why? Because they refuse to be bullied by the Trump-Pence administration's gag rule that forces doctors and clinicians to withhold abortion information from their patients.
The Title X program serves 4 million people a year — 1.5 million of those people are Planned Parenthood patients. Title X has been an important safety net for communities that historically have faced barriers to care, like LGBTQ communities, people of color, and people with low incomes.
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"When I walked into Planned Parenthood for the first time, I didn't only get birth control. I found a place where people of all races, backgrounds, and income levels were welcomed and treated with dignity and respect. I found a place where I finally felt comfortable to ask questions, and in return I got the sex education I had been denied growing up in Missouri public schools.
And when the first kind of birth control I tried had too many side effects, I went back to Planned Parenthood because I know they're experts who will work with me until we find the right method. That's what millions of people could now lose."
— Kia Whittier, a member of Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund's Sex & Politics League
Read more about Kia's experience here. |
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So, now what?
Planned Parenthood Federation of America teamed up with the American Medical Association to fight back against the gag rule in court. And there's legislation moving through Congress that would block the gag rule.
You can take control of your health now by knowing your options for accessing high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care. While we're working to make sure patients don't lose care, the impact will vary from state-to-state.
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You can find out if you're still able to get free or low-cost services and discuss alternatives by contacting your local Planned Parenthood.
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If the cost for your preventive care is more than you can afford, ask your provider if you can apply to any government programs (like Medicaid) for discounted care. Approximately one in five women of reproductive age rely on Medicaid to access no-cost, critical sexual and reproductive health care such as birth control, life-saving cancer screenings, and maternity care.
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Keep in mind, Medicaid and Title X only cover preventative care — not abortion services. This summer, we gave you the 4-1-1 on abortion funds, non-profit organizations that seek to remove barriers that many pregnant people face when trying to access abortion. The type of assistance varies among different abortion funds, but they all seek to help those with financial and logistical barriers. You can find your local abortion fund here.
— Jamoya at Planned Parenthood
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Get the details:
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Every day, at 600 health centers operated by over 50 Planned Parenthood affiliates across all 50 states, patients are our priority. We're here for you, to provide compassionate and expert care for services including birth control, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings, sex education, and safe, legal abortion. And more. No matter what.
We're providers, nurses, educators, researchers, activists, and advocates. We are Planned Parenthood. Watch Now. |
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The hosts of Vicious Cycle keep it real in their weekly podcast about periods and the people who get them. In this episode, co-host Meg T. bravely takes us through the story of her ectopic pregnancy. The co-hosts laugh and cry — (and you might too). Listen Now. |
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"How do I prepare for the gynecologist?" |
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It's normal to be a little nervous the first time you go to the gynecologist, but don't worry! You can always ask beforehand if you can have a friend in the room with you if that makes you feel more comfortable. Here's what usually goes down at the gyno.
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Your provider will start by asking questions about your body, health, daily habits, and relationships. If you've had vaginal, anal, or oral sex, they may also talk to you about birth control and STI testing. Try to be honest — they need to know this stuff so they can give you the best care. This is also a good time to ask any questions you might have.
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They might check your height, weight, and blood pressure. Next, they might give you a short physical exam. The exam could include:
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Giving you a pelvic exam, meaning they check your genitals and reproductive organs. Pelvic exams usually only take a few minutes. Often, the pelvic exam also includes having a Pap test.
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Checking your breasts for lumps or other issues.
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Testing you for STIs (if you've had any kind of sex). However, it isn't always part of your gynecology visit — if not, you can ask your doctor or nurse about what tests you need. STI testing is usually quick and painless!
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Giving you the HPV vaccine.
— Emily at Planned Parenthood |
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National Voter Registration Day is on Tuesday, September 24. Take a few minutes to register to vote or check your voter status. Unable to vote? There are other ways to get involved — like talking to your friends and family about why voting is so important. |
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We're excited to announce the expansion of the Planned Parenthood Direct app — now available in more than half the country, including 27 states and Washington, D.C.! The app is a convenient way for you to access high-quality sexual and reproductive health care, including birth control and UTI treatment, right from your smartphone.
And even better, the Planned Parenthood Direct app will be live in all 50 states by the end of 2020. Learn more about the app from our friends at Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas. |
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TBH (To Be Honest) is a monthly newsletter dedicated to learning about our bodies, talking about sex and relationships, and challenging health inequity and injustice. Send us your feedback.
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