Reasons Planned Parenthood Actually Needs More $$$

The Planned Parenthood video scandal came at a perfect time for Republican candidates, who know they'll get a nice approval boost for taking cheap shots at the nonprofit. Rand Paul sent out a series of tweets calling for Planned Parenthood to be defunded, but the presidential candidate clearly misunderstood. Planned Parenthood actually needs more money, and the last thing we should do is try to defund it.

Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards said on Twitter, "GOP leaders, including most of the ‘16 field, are tripping over themselves to attack PP because they think that’s how to win elections.” The controversial video was deceitfully edited to reinforce the incorrect idea that the organization sells fetal organs.

The nonprofit does so many constructive things for the communities they are a part of. Paul — and many other Republicans — only associate PP with abortion, but that's not even close to the only service they provide. One of his tweets read, "Today we take a stand. I have good news. The senate will vote on defunding planned parenthood! #WomenBetrayed."

What he doesn't understand is that removing a women's health organization is a betrayal to the women he hopes to lead. It's a betrayal to take away the reproductive health services that they need to have control of their own lives. Here are eight reasons Planned Parenthood needs more income, no matter what politicians say.

STD Testing

Planned Parenthood provides STD testing for low-income individuals who might not otherwise be able to afford it. The organization also teaches safe sex education, which many people in this country still don't have access to.

Screenings

Patients at Planned Parenthood can get necessary screenings to maintain their health. The organization offers cervical cancer screenings, ovarian cancer screenings, breast exams, pelvic exams, urinary tract infection testing, yeast infection testing, and more.

Parenting Options

Contrary to the beliefs of many, Planned Parenthood is not encouraging everyone to get an abortion. Their specialists help women figure out which options suit them best. They impart information about pre-pregnancy health, prenatal care, infertility, and miscarriage, making them a great resource both for pregnant women and women who want to become pregnant.

Safe Abortions

Even if you do not support abortion, you should want the women who get the procedure to be safe about it. Planned Parenthood makes sure that women seeking abortion do so in a clean, healthy environment, and that they have the care they need before, after, and during the appointment.

Birth Control and Contraception

Planned Parenthood has fought to get birth control and emergency contraception into the hands of the women who need it. The nonprofit educates on all forms of birth control, including abstinence, and helps them get the kind they need.

Relationship Counseling

Planned Parenthood gives information on what unhealthy relationships look like, and serves as a resource for victims of domestic violence. Its website contains education tools for parents and teachers.

Men's Health

Planned Parenthood doesn't only help women. Men can get fertility, colon, prostate, and testicular cancer screenings, male birth control, erectile dysfunction services, general healthcare, and more from the clinics.

Body Positivity

One other thing that Planned Parenthood gives its patients is support and education on positive body images. Planned Parenthood brings women a ton of benefits, so no one, not even Rand Paul, should try to cut its funding.

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