Amplify Austin 2015: Planned Parenthood Does It All

Planned Parenthood has gotten a lot of press lately, but how much do you know about Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas's involvement in the local community?

Their unwavering support for abortion services has earned them a sizable, misinformed clump of protest and harassment outside of their South Austin clinic. Their stance has incited certain Texas politicians to continually come for their funding, including trying to defund their patient cancer screenings. Planned Parenthood's refusal to compromise beliefs has cost them. It’s cost them a lot. It's also really hit Texans hard.

You know of PP's abortion and abortion counseling service, but do you know how much else they do? Among a wealth of available services offered at their three Austin clinics, Planned Parenthood provides free STI screenings and long-acting reversible contraception for many uninsured Travis County residents, well-woman gynecological exams, birth control, HPV vaccines, cancer screenings, pregnancy tests, vasectomies, and other services. Outside of their clinics, they offer Sex Ed to over 12,000 people across Central and North Texas to help them understand their bodies. They also give away fancy designer condoms (a lot of them).

Planned Parenthood cares, and Planned Parenthood works really hard to provide essential care to approximately 85,000 clients. But they do even more. Their volunteer-run Leadership and Advocacy Council (full disclosure: I’m on it) raises funds and reaches out to the local community at events such as Bedpost Confessions, the Women’s Resource Fair, and the African-American Community Heritage Festival, Austin PRIDE, and many others. They even hired temporary staff (yours truly) and partnered with Insure Central Texas to help enroll as many folks as possible during the open enrollment for Obamacare. To be blunt, Planned Parenthood isn’t just about abortion. It’s about safe, convenient access to important services, even if that makes them unpopular.

That’s why this year’s Amplify Austin needs you to raise your voice (and money) in support of Planned Parenthood. Make the message loud and clear: Austin stands in support with Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas and their commitment to accessible, quality healthcare for Central Texans.

If cash flow is an issue, consider giving your time.

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Stay tuned to our Amplify Austin 2015 series at austinchronicle.com/daily for developing details on all things Amp'd.