[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_odeyH68fnA&w=400&h=257]

During the recent debates in Congress over federal funding for family planning services, Senator Jon Kyl told a bold faced lie when he claimed that abortion was 90 percent of what Planned Parenthood does. Senator Kyl was called out by the media and Democratic members of the Senate, because most people know what Planned Parenthood actually “does”: Breast exams. Pap smears. Birth control.

Women like me rely on Planned Parenthood to provide access to affordable healthcare services. I have no health insurance. When I get sick, I do what a lot of other low-income women do: I get by. Thanks to Planned Parenthood, though, I can get my annual exam every year, since their health care services are available on a sliding scale based on income. If it weren’t for Planned Parenthood, I would never go to the doctor.

Some of that is about to get more difficult, however. Six bills were passed in Arizona during the 2011 legislative session that will curtail women’s access to reproductive health care. Because of new regulations that will go into effect on July 20, 2011, Planned Parenthood must purchase expensive new equipment in order to continue to provide abortion services. It is up to Planned Parenthood’s supporters to help Planned Parenthood meet their financial goals.

Low income women like me rely on Planned Parenthood in order to get preventative health care service. You know as well as I do that the overwhelming majority of us (90% to be exact) come to Planned Parenthood for preventative care. When we do need to obtain an abortion, Planned Parenthood is there for us. I hope you’ll be there for Planned Parenthood.

To support Planned Parenthood of Arizona, click here.