By Myra Guevara, Research Intern
When I heard that the House of Representatives passed a bill to defund Planned Parenthood and other clinics that receive Title X funding, my heart dropped. I am one of the hundreds of thousands of women that reach out to Planned Parenthood. Currently undergoing treatment, I worry about how I will pay if all of a sudden Planned Parenthood drops off the face of the map. Wild thoughts popped into my head and desperation soon set in as I learned more about the seriousness of the issue, until I heard about the Rally for Women’s Health. Relieved that community organizers, movers and shakers are behind this movement I quickly sent an RSVP.
The new proposal that has passed in the House of Representatives is supposedly part of a larger effort to reduce government spending and reduce the federal deficit. Those of us who know better know that it is actually part of the wider anti-woman agenda dominating the House right now. This budget fight is no joke–if the Senate and House cannot agree on a budget by March 4th we’re facing a government shutdown.
All the arguments in favor of cutting spending to Planned Parenthood focus solely on abortion services, but federal funding does not pay directly for any abortion services as per the Hyde Amendment. These funding cuts really target extremely important preventative health care services like pap smears, breast cancer screenings, and access to birth control. Pap smears are known to reduce the risk of cervical cancer, similarly with breast cancer screening. Plus, further limiting access to birth control and emergency contraception will only increase the rate of unintended pregnancies. These services actually save us money in health care costs in the long run. This is really just short-sighted politicking, not fiscal responsibility.
Like me, some of you may be feeling overwhelmed, angry, or defeated. How can we fight those in power? It seems like the people running this country are against me, against all women, attacking us. There is something you can do–make your voices heard. Send a message, loud and clear, to our Representatives that we aren’t okay with putting women’s lives on the budget chopping block. Attend the Rally for Women’s Health! If you’re in NYC, go to Foley Square on Saturday February 26 from 1pm-3pm in NYC and join women like Gloria Steinem, Gloria Feldt, and Loretta Ross to stand up for women’s rights. Our own Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas will be speaking as well.
It’s not just an opportunity for those in NYC. A Walk for Choice has been organized in Washington DC for Saturday at 12pm as well, and there are joint events happening all over the US in over 49 cities. Check out this website to find the activities in your city. Contact your local organizers if you do not see your city on the list, or if you need more information on the walking paths and locations designated for this cause. It takes two minutes to sign up and only two hours of your day. Be a part of a historic event, have your voice heard, and take action!
We hope to see you there!
For more information:
http://www.nyclu.org/event/rally-womens-health-nyc
http://twitter.com/WalkForChoiceNY
http://walkforchoice.tumblr.com/
By Myra Guevara, Research Intern
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