Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates (PPPA)

Let's set the record straight on health care reform!

Over the past few weeks, we've seen a lot of changes in the battle for health care reform in Washington. It seems like every day there's a new development, a new plan, a new compromise. One thing that hasn't changed: dishonest attacks on Planned Parenthood and the women, men, and teens we serve.

Now our legislators are back in their home districts, and you can bet that opponents of women's reproductive health care are not letting up. We need your help to set the record straight.

Here's what you can do right now: take two minutes to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper! The media have been getting an earful from anti-choice activists and their allies in Congress -- now they need to hear from you. Tell them the TRUTH about health care reform and Planned Parenthood.

Click TELL ME MORE to see a sample letter, and view the talking points to draft your own!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
August 19, 2009

Background Information

Health care reform is being hotly debated all across the country. While most of the news reports have focused on costs, benefits, and the possibility of a government-run option, very little has focused on the numerous attempts to eliminate access to women's reproductive health care and the trusted community providers like Planned Parenthood that make it accessible to millions of women. To date there have been more than 20 restrictive amendments threatening this basic coverage.

As a trusted health care provider serving hundreds of thousands of women a year with preventative care such as breast and cervical cancer exams, birth control education and testing for STDs, I support Planned Parenthood and want to be sure women's health is a priority in health care reform. Today, women of childbearing age spend 68 percent more in out-of-pocket expenses than men. A recent report by the Department of Health and Human Services shows that "women are more vulnerable to high health care costs (because) women's reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly Pap tests, mammograms, and obstetric care."

If we do not act, a health care reform proposal could be passed and sent to President Obama eliminating access to previously covered reproductive health care services. The bottom line: women's reproductive health care must be a priority, and that means women must not be worse off under health care reform than they are today.