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Op-ed: Planned Parenthood continues its care

Once again, a group of anti-abortion activists has attacked Planned Parenthood doctors, nurses and patients with false accusations. And once again, its political allies are seizing on these accusations as an excuse to push the same dangerous agenda — ban abortion, shut down health centers and cut women off from care.

But we will never let that happen.

Planned Parenthood is the most trusted reproductive health care provider in this country, and nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our patients. Planned Parenthood of New York City has provided high-quality sexual and reproductive health services to New Yorkers for nearly 100 years, and that’s not going to change.

While anti-abortion extremists spend years attempting to make it harder for women to access the health care they need, Planned Parenthood’s caring, compassionate physicians, nurses, counselors and other providers continue to provide trusted, confidential care to everyone who walks through our doors.

Patients come to Planned Parenthood of New York City (PPNYC) from all walks of life. And we provide them with high-quality, affordable care regardless of their age, gender identity, immigration status or ability to pay.

PPNYC provides the full range of sexual and reproductive health services, including birth control, cancer screening, STD testing and treatment, HIV testing and counseling, and abortion.

We also provide sex education to young people, parents and professionals. And as the evidence has shown, making birth control more accessible and teaching comprehensive sex education are the most important factors in reducing unintended pregnancy and the need for abortion.
Every day, PPNYC works to expand access to preventive care and birth control for New Yorkers by providing high-quality care to 50,000 patients every year at our four centers, no matter what.

We’re thrilled to soon reach new communities in Queens with the opening of our health center in Long Island City, which will bring us to five centers — one in each borough.
To our patients, coming to Planned Parenthood of New York City and having providers who they can trust and who put them at ease means everything.
In our patients’ own words:

“I came PP to get an IUD to prevent pregnancy until I am ready to intentionally start a family. I choose Planned Parenthood because I feel secure and respected by the staff for my family planning choices. Planned Parenthood is able to assist me financially — I would not be able to afford this birth control if not for assistance. I am deeply grateful that I can receive the support that I need to be in charge of my body while being responsible in effectively planning for my future.”

“Every time I come here I leave feeling safer and taken care of. My family lives on the other side of the country but with the staff here I did not feel alone. They care like family would. I am so thankful for Planned Parenthood and the positive impact they make in real people’s lives.”

We truly provide care, no matter what. The care that people receive at Planned Parenthood health centers helps millions of people plan their families and shape their futures. This is not going to change just because a group of extremists use fraud and harassment to try to cut women off from the care they need.

Joan Malin is president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of New York City.

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