Okay, can you see the possible problem here?

[rosered32]

Gift certificates for
Planned Parenthood

Last Edited: Wednesday, 26 Nov 2008, 4:53 AM EST
Created On: Tuesday, 25 Nov 2008, 7:27 PM EST

* Leslie Olsen
* Edited by Hyacinth Williams

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Gift certificates have become a popular holiday gift option, but a controversial new one, already has people talking.

For the first time, Planned Parenthood in Indiana is offering gift certificates. The organization said a big increase in calls and visits from newly unemployed and uninsured Hoosiers prompted what it calls the unusual, yet practical gift option.

"People are making really tough decisions about putting gas in their car and food on their table, so we know that many women especially put healthcare at the bottom of their list to do," said Chrystal Struben-Hall, Vice President of Planned Parenthood of Indiana.

The certificates come in $25 increments. They can be used for everything from birth control to $58 examinations that include breast exams and pap tests. Men who receive healthcare at Planned Parenthood can use them too.

"They can be seen for sexually transmitted disease screenings, HIV tests and general prostate exams and those kinds of things," said Struben-Hall.

Some Hoosiers 24-Hour News 8 talked to asked if the gift certificates could be used towards abortions. The answer is yes. But, Planned Parenthood said that's not the purpose of the gift certificates.

Struben-Hall said, "They really are intended for preventative healthcare. We decided not to put restrictions on the gift certificates so it's for whatever people feel they need the services for most."

Indiana Family Institute President Curt Smith said he is appalled by the certificates.

"I think the way to help family planning is to give the money where there's no agenda. So if somebody wants to help a woman at a time of crisis, they can support the life centers throughout Indiana," said Smith.

Planned Parenthood hopes philanthropists look at it differently. The organization hopes people might purchase the certificates, and then turn them back in for their patients who need reproductive healthcare, but can't pay for it.

Now upon reading this article, my first thought was "Sweet! Help for women who don't have health care or can't afford health checkups right now." Then I realized what the Pro-Life side might see and yeah....as the article stated, they first thought of abortions. Why is it that people forget that Planned Parenthood Clinics are also CLINICS! When I didn't have health care coverage when I was younger, I went to Planned Parenthood and got check ups and such. I even got birth control so I would not need an abortion or have to even think of that choice. I think this is a nice idea if you wish to give an open minded family member or friend you know needs help in the health care area. It isn't for everyone true...but it should not be assumed that you are necessarily giving people money to get an abortion. Most women I know whom I would consider giving this too are trying to get pregnant. I would give it to them for check ups and such. But I guess that is just me.

Comments

[sami406.livejournal.com]

interesting...

[uberreiniger.livejournal.com]

Why are people under some obligation to remember that they are also clinics? When you make yourself famous for and even synonomous with abortion you can't cry foul when that's the first thing people think of in regard to you.

[rosered32.livejournal.com]

I am not saying that one can't think of abortions as you pointed out, PP is an advocate for Pro-Choice, BUT is isn't the ONLY service they provide. And one shouldn't assume that these are what the gift certificates would be used for only. Yes, Planned parenthood does advocate abortion as an option, but I think that the person who came up with this was not trying to offer the certificates for JUST abortion use.