Federal Funding Blocked for Planned Parenthood: Collegiettes™ Speak Out Part 2 - Women Campus
Many providers require pelvic exams before prescribing contraception, a practice that has been questioned in the past year.
Discarding the alleged moral ties and questionable practices, Melanie Yates, a junior at Hofstra University, said the House's approval of the Pence Amendment is a huge step backwards for women's rights and health.
"The politicians that have voted to block funding for Planned Parenthood have a complete disregard for women's health," Yates said. "Getting rid of Planned Parenthood won't prevent unwanted pregnancies, and it won't educate younger women on how to be sexually responsible. If anything, more women will turn to illegal and unsafe abortion procedures, which should never have to be the only option."
In recent developments, as the discussion around the Affordable Care Act continues in the House, Rep. Steve King (R-IA) said, "The stance needs to be that we will not vote to fund Obamacare, and I'm going to add to this, that neither shall we vote to fund Planned Parenthood. And I shall be looking for ways to unfund every other entity like them that promotes abortion or provides abortion as a matter of practice within their facility. Planned Parenthood is invested in promiscuity."
Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, spoke out against the GOP's efforts in the House during an interview on Democracy Now! saying they've declared a "war on women."
Several other collegiettes™ like Melanie Yates identified the House's vote to block federal funding for Planned Parenthood as an enormous setback for women.
"The House's vote indicates that women's health and safety are not a priority," Elora Tocci said. "In particular, this is a war on lower and lower middle class women who cannot afford health care."
But Beverly Solomon, creative director at musee-solomon (an art and design business), hopes that the acts of Congress will make college women practice more responsible behavior, more morality, self-respect, and self-control, as well as have more respect for human life.
"I am part of the generation who fought for women's rights," Solomon said. "I was one of the first women to be an account executive in sales and marketing in the fashion industry. Yet, I am shocked, disappointed and disgusted how women have abused and misused their hard-won rights."
The House's decision to block funding for Planned Parenthood is surrounded with opposing viewpoints from various groups, especially pro-life and pro-choice supporters.
Those in protest of the vote have taken the stance: "I stand with Planned Parenthood."
To get involved, contact your Senators and tell them what you think.
Sources:
Allie Jones, sophomore at the College of William and Mary
Beverly Solomon, creative director at musee-solomon
Karen Shablin, an independent health-care consultant
http://strategies4hcexcellence.com/
Elora Tocci, Syracuse University sophomore
Elizabeth Wiley, J.D., M.P.H., third year medical student at the George Washington University and American Medical Student Association co-legislative director
Melanie Yates, junior at Hofstra University
