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The Title X Domestic Gag Rule, A Cruel Attack on Health Care Access for People with Low Incomes

Planned Parenthood’s doors have remained open to the communities we serve through 2 years of non-stop attacks from President Trump and politicians in Congress. However, in February, the Trump administration ratcheted up those attacks by finalizing rules that would dismantle the Title X program – the nation’s only family planning program covering the costs of reproductive health care for people with low incomes and who lack insurance coverage.

If the rule goes into effect, basic, comprehensive family planning services will be jeopardized for 4 million people, and organizations that receive Title X funding would not be able to share the full range of options during pregnancy with their patients, specifically the option of abortion care.

This isn’t just an attack to score political points and defund Planned Parenthood, it will also fundamentally undermine the essential, life-saving medical care that Title X provides, including breast cancer screenings, STI testing, and affordable birth control. Several states and organizations, including Planned Parenthood, have filed lawsuits to stop these rules from going into effect.

In addition to our unique state advocacy campaigns, Planned Parenthood launched our national #ProtectX campaign to elevate the voices of patients who are harmed by this misguided rule and pressure Congress to defend Title X funding. In this time of uncertainty, one thing is for sure: we aren’t backing down and our doors will remain open. More information about the campaign can be found here. 

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A New Strategic Alliance with Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky

On February 1st of this year, our organization, PPGNHI, announced a new strategic alliance with Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, creating the largest geographic Planned Parenthood organization in the country. With the desire to ensure access to reproductive health care services, PPGNHI is taking the thoughtful step to partner with our sister organization to make sure access to essential services will continue to be a reality for Hoosiers and Kentuckians.

Every year, health care providers, including Planned Parenthood, make changes as part of enhancing health care services for patients. With the top priority of serving our patients with compassionate care, PPGNHI is pursuing a long-term, sustainable strategy for delivering the best possible services to the communities who rely on us for health care, education, and advocacy. Like other health care providers, PPGNHI will work across time zones and state lines to deliver care to those who need it.

While operating 45 health centers and serving over 150,000 patients every year, this alliance will allow us to share expertise and best practices, integrate operational procedures, expand professional development opportunities for staff, and consolidate resources in order to improve experiences for both patients and staff.

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Guaranteeing Reproductive Health Care in Hawaiʻi for Generations to Come

Planned Parenthood celebrated the successful opening of our new Honolulu health center and administrative hub, which will triple our capacity to serve patients on Oʻahu with eight brand new exam rooms! This new building will serve as the standard bearer for access to reproductive health care across the Hawaiian Islands.

We kicked off our celebrations by holding a press conference with U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono, leaders in the reproductive rights movement from Hawaiʻi, and student activists. That evening we held a private reception and room dedication for the state-of-the-art Tommy Holmes gathering space for our community partners.

We concluded the celebrations with a rooftop community celebration which featured music, building tours, and booths showcasing our medical, education, and advocacy work. We were honored to be joined by federal, state, and local government officials who have championed our issues throughout their careers.

Opening our new Honolulu hub was the first step in our $100 million capital campaign to secure access to basic, reproductive health care across the six states we serve. The next phase will include opening two new health centers in Idaho.

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Sex Ed Saves Lives!

“Am I ready for sex? “How can I be sure I have consent?”  “My partner is abusive. What should I do?” The PPGNHI Educators answer crucial questions like these, and so many more, each day. It is no exaggeration to say that quality sex education literally saves lives!

Our educators provide carefully crafted sex education to Elementary, Middle and High School students, parents, families and professional groups.  Topics include anatomy, sexual decision making, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, consent, sexual and gender identity, and healthy relationships, to name a few. What is more important than the list of topics, however is our commitment to providing education that is medically accurate, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, free of shame and fear tactics, culturally sensitive, fun and engaging.

For example, The Teen Council, our award-winning peer education program, has been empowering teens to become expert educators, advocates, and life-long Planned Parenthood supporters for over 25 years. Our family education program, LiFT, has helped parents and teens in rural communities around the country to tackle tough conversations that have been historically shamed and stigmatized.

At the end of the day, sexuality is a part of being human. Honest, relevant, and comprehensive sex education is crucial. It is critical because everyone has the right to engage their sexuality in ways that encourage joy, health, body autonomy, and fulfillment. To learn more about our many programs, contact education@ppgnhi.org.

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Global Programs Launches WhatsApp Virtual Support Network in the Dominican Republic

Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands has a long history of working to expand access to sexual and reproductive health care in our region, but did you know that we also work internationally? Since 2001, PPGNHI’s Global Programs has worked in several countries including the Dominican Republic, Malawi and Vietnam. In the Dominican Republic (DR), our Global Programs team has partnered with the Módulo Anexo Materno Infantil (MAMI) in their sexuality education work since 2011. Now we are partnering with MAMI on a new project to support adolescent mothers.

In January, PPGNHI Global Programs and MAMI launched, “Strengthening the self-determination of adolescent mothers (Fortaleciendo la autodeterminación de madres adolescentes (FAMA)*”, a digital support network for adolescent mothers. The support networks use WhatsApp groups to share educational messages and provide a forum for questions and conversation with the aim of increased use of family planning, increased attendance at well-child and vaccination appointments, and expanded support networks.

Last year, Global Programs and Education staff traveled to the DR to conduct a user-centered design process and develop the content for the project. Twenty adolescent mothers provided input on what they wanted from the support networks. Information on family planning was identified as a priority topic. They also shared their personal experiences as adolescent mothers. One participant said, “having a child is not an impediment to moving forward.” We agree and hope that this project will help participants learn about important health topics and feel supported in their new journey.

If the results are promising, we hope to scale-up and replicate this program. For more information and to join our email list for updates on our global programs, contact us at global.programs@ppgnhi.org.

*Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and Hawaiian Islands is a subcontractor on the Project ‘Strengthening the self-determination of adolescent mothers (Fortaleciendo la autodeterminación de madres adolescentes (FAMA)’ supported by funding from Grand Challenges Canada (through the Government of Canada) to Clinica de Familia La Romana. The Módulo Anexo Materno Infantil (MAMI) is a division of Clinica de Familia La Romana.

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Celebrating Roe, Continuing Our Work

Today marks the 46th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, a landmark case which guaranteed the right to an abortion. Prior to this ruling by the Supreme Court and since the decision, Planned Parenthood and other reproductive rights groups have worked tirelessly to expand access to basic health care and defend the right of people living in America to secure comprehensive medical care regardless of social stigmas.

In this moment in our reproductive rights movement, it is especially important that we look at our accomplishments thus far. Just a few weeks ago, the first pro-choice majority in our nation’s history was sworn into Congress and, for only the second time in our history, a woman will preside as Speaker of the House of Representatives. This all taking place in the year we will celebrate the centennial of the 19th Amendment passing Congress enshrining the right for women to vote in the United States, though for many women of color these rights became a reality decades later.

Despite the dramatic increase in strategic stigmatization and public attacks against access to abortion since the ruling, Roe has continued to be an enduring protection of privacy and access to basic health care for everyone who calls America home. Here at Planned Parenthood, we will never stop fighting for reproductive rights and access to health care.

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Sex Education, No Matter What.

Over the past several months, Planned Parenthood has been working across the country, and especially in our region, to destigmatize reproductive health care and emphasize the need for more sex education resources. As some states and school districts continue to limit access to sex education, Planned Parenthood is working to help parents and sex educators begin conversations with their children and students on how to have a happy, health and safe life. 

Check out these amazing videos and be sure to share them with your friends and family!

How Do I Talk With My Kid About Healthy Relationships?

How Do I Talk With My Kid About Where Babies Come From?

How To Talk To Preschoolers About Anatomy & Body Safety?

How To Know If Your Kid Is Transgender?

How To Teach Your Kids About Gender

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Small Donation, Huge Impact

Support from Planned Parenthood’s donors has helped over 96,000 people get needed health care so far this year. That includes 46,925 people living below the poverty line and 19,770 people without insurance coverage. Supporters like you have made accessible health care a reality for so many, and we need you now more than ever.

Some of the biggest challenges this movement has ever had to face are still looming on the horizon. Trump has announced a plan for changes to federal women’s health programs, which could leave 4 million low-income Americans without health care. In addition, the shameful confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the US Supreme Court to form an anti-choice majority and the wave of extreme abortion restrictions popping up across the country in its wake represent grave threats to the abortion rights of people across the country.

Right now, donations to Planned Parenthood will go even further to provide needed health care in local communities! Through December 31, 2018 donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of donor support. You can make your donation online at bit.ly/donate-ppgnhi. Donate by midnight on December 31 to have your gift matched!

You can also support Planned Parenthood’s work by sharing this link with friends, family, and anyone else you know who cares about expanding access to health care and protecting reproductive rights. 

Your support is the reason that Planned Parenthood will be able to stand strong for the people who need us – and stand up for the rights of ALL people – as the full impact of the last two years worth of reckless policy, irresponsible appointments, and under-the-radar government rules changes start to hit local communities.

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Planned Parenthood Direct: Delivering Quality Care from the Convenience of Your Phone

The Planned Parenthood Direct mobile app is changing the way patients can receive care. We’ve learned over time that coming into a health center for a visit isn’t always easy. Living in a remote area, limited access to transportation, and busy work and school schedules are just a few of the many reasons why patients have found the Planned Parenthood Direct app so convenient. Our mobile app allows you to submit an appointment in a matter of minutes – anytime, anywhere – and receive care within one business day!

Planned Parenthood Direct currently offers two services – birth control pills and UTI treatment. Clinicians review all submitted appointments and determine eligibility for online treatment. The app is currently available in 21 states and our outstanding team of clinicians at PPGNHI and other affiliates are licensed in those states in order to offer this mobile service and provide care to patients across the country. The Planned Parenthood Direct app strengthens our mission to provide care – no matter what!

The app is available for download on all Apple and Android devices through the iOS and Google Play stores. Stay tuned for more service offerings as the Planned Parenthood Direct app grows and expands. For more information, please visit www.plannedparenthooddirect.org.

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Our Movement, Our Moment

During last week’s election, our movement saw historic wins across the country with more people of color and women winning elections. This next Congress will be a decade younger and more diverse than ever before, in addition to having a pro-choice majority. Reproductive health champions up and down the ballot were elected to critical offices in all four of our states. This is good news for our patients and for protecting access to health care.

Despite these successes, many fights still linger on the horizon. Medical providers are being “gagged” and told what they can and cannot say to their patients about reproductive care. The Trump administration’s “public charge rule” and efforts to narrowly define gender are preventing immigrants and transgender people from seeking health services. And less than 24 hours after the election, the Trump administration issued new regulations that will allow employers to deny women coverage for birth control.

We now have another line of defense against attacks on our rights, but we have more fights ahead. We will never stop advocating for more affordable and accessible health care and reproductive justice. Our movement brought together a broad coalition of people fed up with having to defend their most basic freedoms, and we plan on building on that progress in the months and years to come. Join us by signing up here.

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It's Sex Education Month, And Rachel Bloom Has A Message For You!

Throughout this month, Planned Parenthood has a special focus on the need for sex education, continuing our long history of bringing scientifically-accurate, accessible information to our patients and supporters. Our campaign aims to help our communities understand how essential sex education is for young people and give parents the resources to support their children. As part of our “Care for All” campaign to destigmatize women’s health care, we have partnered with Refinery29 and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Rachel Bloom to produce three short films about sexual and reproductive health. Check them out below:

ALL THE "WEIRD" VAGINA STUFF THAT'S TOTALLY NORMAL

HOW TO EXPLAIN RAPE CULTURE — TO THE DEVIL

LEARN ABOUT STDS — MAGIC SCHOOL BUS STYLE

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PPGNHI Team Recognized with Numerous Awards

Over the past month, several PPGNHI staff and board members received awards for their work expanding access to reproductive health care and working on social justice issues. Here is a quick overview of our amazing team:

Shambricia Spencer, YWCA-Olympia Womxn of Achievement Award

Last Saturday, Shambricia Spencer, PPGNHI Capacity Building Manager, received the YWCA-Olympia Womxn of Achievement Award honoring women and businesses throughout Thurston County and the surrounding region. The YWCA has cited her work eliminating racism and sexism, empowering women, and breaking down barriers due to equality as just a few of the reasons she is being honored. Shambricia has spent decades educating teens and young adults on sex education and reproductive justice, beginning her work as a Teen Council member in the 1990’s. 

WA Global Health Outstanding Collaboration Award for PPGNHI Work in Malawi

In partnership with VillageReach, PPGNHI educators and medical providers implemented a two-year program delivering youth-friendly health services on a national hotline and worked with staff in Malawi to implement continuous improvement plans to increase the quality of services in 11 publicly-operated health facilities. The Washington Global Health Alliance recognized this effort, led by Diane Bushley, to bring our deep content and training expertise to the young people of Malawi and honored PPGNHI with the 2018 Outstanding Collaboration Award.

Dr. Bliss Kaneshiro, Robert A. Hatcher Family Planning Mentor Award

Dr. Kaneshiro received the Robert A. Hatcher Family Planning Mentor Award from the Society of Family Planning, a national award highlighting her role in educating and mentoring family planning health providers in Hawaii. Dr. Kaneshiro works with Planned Parenthood in Honolulu and Kahului as an abortion provider, and has authored or co-authored over 60 articles about family planning and reproductive health. She has shown consistent leadership at the nexus of public health and family planning through her roles in several public agencies and non-profit organizations.

Bob & Mary Ann Wiley, AFP Advancement’s Outstanding Philanthropists Award

Bob and (the late) Mary Ann Wiley have been instrumental in the success of PPGNHI and PPVNH over the last twenty years, with so many of our accomplishments credited to their help and vision. Bob has worked tirelessly supporting PPGNHI since joining our Board in 1998, leading the capital campaign to build our Central District headquarters in Seattle and providing vision for our new Honolulu Hub opening next year. We are thankful for the Wiley’s help growing our organization, and because of them, PPGNHI continues to be one of the strongest affiliates nationwide delivering affordable care for over 100,000 patients annually. For their philanthropic work with several organizations including PPGNHI, the Association of Fundraising Professionals honored the Wiley’s with the 2018 Outstanding Philanthropists Award.

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March with Planned Parenthood at Honolulu Pride

Planned Parenthood is excited to celebrate Pride in Hawaii on October 20th! From parades to film screenings to dance workshops, celebrate LGBTQ empowerment and history during Honolulu Pride.

PPVNH once again will participate in the Pride parade and we invite you to show off your pride by marching with us! A limited number of special Pride shirts will be available so RSVP here to join in and reserve your shirt. Meet at Magic Island at 9:30 AM to get organized and practice our chants.

Planned Parenthood is proud to be a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ community by offering gender-affirming care, championing non-discrimination legislation across our region, and standing with the LGBTQ community in fights to defend the basic rights all people deserve.

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Brett Kavanaugh Confirmed to the Supreme Court

Last month, the nation was captivated by the brave testimony of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and her patriotism in coming forward with her story. The day after her compelling testimony, Sens. Jeff Flake, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins demanded a delay in the confirmation in order for the FBI to investigate Dr. Ford’s allegations. 

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to move forward Brett Kavanaugh's nomination. Republican senators didn't listen to the heartbreaking, infuriating accounts of how he sexually assaulted Dr. Christine Blasey Ford — and they've ignored at least two other survivors who came forward with their stories. They've made their priorities painfully clear — they're choosing to put politics ahead of the lives of millions of survivors.

Over the weekend, Justice Kavanaugh was confirmed by the Senate in a vote of 50-48 and sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts. With his confirmation, Kavanaugh has cemented a majority that has the potential of challenging the Roe v. Wade precedent and threatening access to affordable health care. Across our region, we will continue to fight to defend the reproductive rights that Roe has guaranteed and those of all individuals regardless of gender, race, class or immigration status.  

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City of Meridian Passes Non-Discrimination Ordinance

Last month, the City of Meridian became the 13th city in Idaho to pass a non-discrimination ordinance in a 4-2 vote ¬– which expands protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in categories like employment, housing, and use of public accommodations. Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii worked with the legislators and the community every step of the way to ensure this legislation passed. 

Brave residents of Meridian, including PPVNH’s Idaho State Director Mistie Tolman, shared their stories during a public comment portion of the council meeting that lasted for over three hours. In doing so, members of the city council were swayed to honor their commitment to their LGBTQ constituents by passing this ordinance, making Idaho’s second largest city one that upholds the values of inclusion and acceptance.

It's important to recognize that federal standards for discrimination continue to trail behind places like Meridian. Across our country, members of the LGBTQ community face significant discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity. We celebrate these new protections for the LGBTQ community of Meridian, and are dedicated to making these basic rights a reality for everyone across the country.

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Another Successful Planned Parenthood Burlesque Event

After a hiatus year, PPGNHI put on its annual burlesque show: SexualiTease: A Planned Parenthood Burlesque! This year’s show was hosted at the historic Re-bar club in Seattle, and focused on celebrating agency, sexuality and all things body positive. 

We were lucky to have Sailor St. Claire, the famous “Showgirl Scholar” who combines her robust literary canon with performances, host this year’s event. More than a dozen performers, including the Luminous Pariah and the Shanghai Pearl, were showcased during the two sold out shows. From dancing to singing to sharing words of empowerment, the wide-range of performances were enjoyed by over 260 people.

Money raised during the event will help us provide affordable and accessible care for our patients, deliver gender-affirming care in our four states, and teach the community about sexuality and proper family planning. Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the return of our burlesque show. We hope to see you next year!

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Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, Planned Parenthood is celebrating the Latino community across our region by honoring their histories, cultures and contributions. Latinos are a growing powerhouse and we must commit ourselves to supporting and empowering Latino patients, staff and volunteers and expanding efforts to improve sexual and reproductive health among Latinos.

As part of the awareness month, Planned Parenthood is launching its first-ever Spanish-language social media campaign, INVENCIBLES. With this campaign, we hope to reinforce that every person deserves to be respected, recognized, and celebrated. We are working to empower, uplift and support Latinas to become invencibles (unstoppable) by emphasizing stories of all their contributions to their families, their work and their communities.

Restrictions on reproductive health care, women’s rights and gender equity disproportionately impact communities of color, so we hope you’ll join us in engaging, mobilizing and empowering Latinas. 

Visit Invencibles.org for more information.