Planned Parenthood

MELISSA BROWN
EL NUEVO SOL—SALUD

Planned Parenthood is an organization that focuses on the reproductive health of both men and women. EL NUEVO SOL SALUD

Perhaps some Latinos, and/or non-English speakers, may not know about Planned Parenthood, or perhaps, don’t know exactly how it works. Planned Parenthood is a local and national resource for men and women, of all ethnicities. This organization focuses on the reproductive health of both men and women. They offer services, such as, OBGYN appointments, annual pap smears for women, etc.

The organization is described as “a trusted health care provider, an informed educator, a passionate advocate, and a global partner helping similar organizations around the world.” The organization’s website also states: “Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide.” Planned Parenthood’s main focus is to educate younger people on safe sex practices, in order to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. According to the website: “We deliver comprehensive and medically accurate information that empowers women, men, teens, and families to make informed choices and lead healthy lives.”

Planned Parenthood clinics, located all over the U.S., allow walk-ins and/or appointments. On their website, you can see a list of locations by searching with your zipcode. If you think you may be pregnant, you can get a pregnancy test that day with results within a few hours. The organization provides services like providing birth control for younger girls who are afraid to go to their parents’ doctor. Planned Parenthood also performs abortions, provide HIV testing, and other STD testing and treatments, and breast cancer screenings, as well.

The unique thing about this clinic is if you do not have insurance, you can receive (most) services at no cost. Underage teens can also go without supervision of a parent if they need services. It could be an anonymous way of terminating a pregnancy in an emergency, or in a safer way if someone does not have the proper access to doctors.

Planned Parenthood also has online frequently asked questions page for teens. Again, another great source that’s available for young people, since sometimes teens can be embarrassed or uncomfortable asking parents questions about sex and reproduction.