Planned Parenthood - Prevention Works
07/04/08 | Comment (0)
By Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America
As the nation’s leading sexual and reproductive health care advocate and provider, Planned Parenthood has long recognized the importance of preventive healthcare. We provide quality and affordable health care to millions of patients every year. Yet, more than 47 million Americans lack insurance and access to basic preventive care. For nearly a century, we at Planned Parenthood have been pushing a prevention first agenda, investing in prevention and family planning programs that keep women healthy, help saves lives, and prevent unintended pregnancy. Ninety-seven percent of our health care services are preventive, including contraception, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and sexually transmitted infection testing. Prevention works, yet nearly 17 million women need subsidized family planning services, and there is not enough funding to meet the need.
These women are at a substantially higher risk for undetected medical issues than their insured counterparts. Compared to women with insurance, uninsured women consistently report lower rates of screening tests for many conditions, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and osteoporosis. Health disparities such as these are inconceivable in the 21st century.
With more than four million activists, supporters, and volunteers, Planned Parenthood has a strong grassroots network that stretches nationwide. By partnering with our colleagues and demanding Health Care for America Now, Planned Parenthood is calling for “quality, affordable care we can all count on” and a renewed focus on preventive care.
