Seven years ago, when I was just 20, I found myself in an abusive relationship and unexpectedly became pregnant. Considering my struggles with poverty, homelessness, and mental health, it was clear I couldn’t provide for a child—financially or emotionally. I contacted various clinics, including some that would later turn out to be Crisis Pregnancy Centers. These organizations often masked themselves as healthcare providers while sharing misleading information about abortion. As I explored my options, I felt increasingly pressured and, honestly, quite guilty.
Eventually, I visited my local Planned Parenthood Health Center. The atmosphere was so different—staff members were welcoming and genuinely interested in my needs. They equipped me with valuable resources and thoroughly explained all my reproductive choices, including abortion. After undergoing several prenatal tests, I faced a heart-wrenching choice: I decided to carry the pregnancy to term and place my child for adoption.
This wasn’t my first trip to Planned Parenthood, though. Five years earlier, I had sought treatment for an STI, which could have drastically affected my chances of having children in the future. Now, looking back, I realize that without the reproductive health care I received through Medicaid at Planned Parenthood, I wouldn’t have had the means to stay healthy and eventually give my daughter’s adoptive parents a beautiful child.
My experience isn’t unique. I’m one of 1 in 4 people who rely on these essential services. I share my story now because a Republican in Congress is attempting to defund Planned Parenthood. There’s a bill aimed at cutting funding from the Medicaid program, which appears to be an overt effort to dismantle comprehensive public health care support, prioritizing profit over people.
It seems that Republicans want to penalize Planned Parenthood for providing comprehensive reproductive care, including abortion services. But let’s be real about the implications. Almost 600 health centers across the United States aren’t funded by the government without accountability. Instead, like other qualified providers, they receive reimbursement for the services rendered to patients. Abortions are not reimbursable except under very limited conditions.
If such measures to “defund” Planned Parenthood succeed, it would mean that the health center could no longer accept Medicaid for the essential care I benefited from. This could have catastrophic effects on over 2 million patients each year. Such closures would be devastating.
The unfortunate reality is that without access to these health centers, those in need may struggle to find reliable STI testing, treatment, and prenatal care. Particularly in rural areas and places lacking adequate health care resources, 64% of Planned Parenthood facilities are the only option available. It’s hard to imagine where to turn for affordable, comprehensive reproductive health care.
Whenever I hear individuals who oppose abortion speak against Planned Parenthood, I remember the critical care I received. The only reason I managed to navigate my pregnancy was because I had the autonomy to make decisions while receiving the support and quality care I needed. Planned Parenthood offered that to me, and now I stand up for them. My message to Congress is clear: don’t dismantle this life-saving work provided by Planned Parenthood. If lawmakers truly care about those they serve, they shouldn’t jeopardize our well-being while still funding tax breaks for the wealthy and supporting military interests.
