Uh....

Hmmm... not sure what I think about this. I mean, I like the idea that they are used toward preventative care like yearly exams and contraception, but a gift certificate for an abortion? That's just weird.

If there is a "trust issue", I would know for sure the funds to help a family member or friend who requested health care used it for that purpose only.

IMO the bottom line is the gift card is a form of transaction, PP is going to be paid for services regardless of the type of transaction and if a women intends on having an abortion I"m sure that it will happen regardless of the form or payment.

Having said that when we think of (gift) cards we think of our kids running out and buying the latest video game or dad picking up a fishing pole at Sportsmart. To have that image distorted by the thought of someone using our good will to help assist in an abortion can be unsettling for some. My advise to all is if you do give a PP gift card make simply make sure you're pro-choice of if you're pro-life make sure the recipient is too to the best of your knowledge.

wow. that's got to be the worst christmas gift ever. What would you write in the card 'Season's Greetings I hope you enjoy their pelvic exams as much as I do', or how about 'Merry Christmas, your next abortions on me'. You don't have to be a member of a 'family institute' to be apalled by this.

Why would you be apalled? Most of the people using this will simply get a physical exam they can not afford on their own. The only thing about this that upsets me is that so many people are unable to afford proper medical care without financial help.

Um, isnt Planned Parenthood free???

Liliblu, I don't actually have anything against planned parenthood. I guess I just think that holiday gifts should at least attempt to make people warm inside as opposed to reminding them that they have been neglecting their sexual health.

To start, I am pro-choice and a PP volunteer. I am not "appalled" and if the reporter hadn't asked about abortions and the PP spokesperson hadn't responded no one else would be either. Everyone can agree that women's health care is not anywhere near adequate but because a woman might have an abortion it is wrong to do something to help a friend or family member get a life-saving exam? The number of health exams performed at the PP far outweigh the number of abortions. It is important to remember that the PP has many more services available to women at reduced (or free) cost to those who cannot afford adequate health care coverage. I am not a church goer but I do give to church based charities because I know the good they do is far more important than my own personal beliefs. Not every woman who visits the PP has an abortion or is even pro-choice. Most want to make sure they are healthy and safe.

"f the reporter hadn't asked about abortions and the PP spokesperson hadn't responded no one else would be either. "
That's certainly not true. Right or wrong, the Planned Parenthood is synonymous with "abortions,"
I'd bet that I'm not the only one who instantly made the connection after reading just the headline.
It doesn't seem like a good gift idea to me. What an embarrassing gift card to present to redeem. I think the kind of woman who would feel perfectly comfortable using a PP gift card is the kind of woman who would probably just ask for help straight up. I can't say I'm against them having gift cards, but it seems to me like something that may be intended to be a political statement rather than a genuine holiday idea. Meh.

I doubt this is meant to be a type of x-mas present, but something PP thought would be a good idea for people who would appreciate helping another individual in this sort way. Think about it, during this time of year gift cards are a gifts that are very widely given. So why wouldn't they take that idea and present as a means for a person to help another person in a area that is needed for people who would go to PP to get women's health care.

Well I've heard it all

This is news?!

I didn't really know how to feel about this...I mean, I think it's a good idea for things like exams (which I believe are absolutely necessary for preventative and maintenance of reproductive health) and contraceptives (because there are quite a few people who take BC to regulate cycles and not necessarily to prevent pregnancy, and they can get ridiculously expensive EVEN when you have insurance, because you get a limited amt of refills or they won't pay for BC because they figure you're taking it for elective reasons), but for abortions?? I guess since the certificates don't designate *specifically* what it's being given for, though, it might be a little less weird to get as a present...maybe.

I wish these were redeemable at *any* hospital or pharmacy and not just PP's facilities...but then again, I don't live in IN anyway!

Breast cancer screening, pelvic exam, pap tests, disease testing, infection treatment, birth control, pre-natal care, and medical information are some of the many beneficial and necessary services PP provides to the community. Not to mention, they're active in politics related to women's rights. It is sad that many people ignore this and consider only the controversial stigma that PP has been branded with in the public eye - abortion.

I disagree with the statement that only women who would use the giftcard are "the kind of woman who would probably just ask for help." PP is the place young women can go to in private for matters that they need, like safe sex information and birth control, but can't bring up openly to their public sphere. I learned more about how to properly take care of my body at PP than I did through my school, my HMO, or my family. Which is a pretty sad statement on society's options for women's health education.

And no, PP is not free. (To the person who asked earlier.) They can't serve such a large population of people for free. But their plans are affordable compared to other alternatives.

Hypno said exactly what was on my mind, much better than I ever could.

I can see this being 'unsettling', as he said, but I definitely know some people who would benefit from these cards. It may be 'embarassing' to redeem a gift card for a pelvic exam, but if that pelvic exam leads to the prevention of something deadly, I'd deal with the short-term embarassment if it leads to long-term prevention.

I'm totally getting this for my office's gift exchange.

I love this! I think its hilarious!

The people who believe that PP is for nothing but abortions, have obviously never set foot into a PP clinic. There are far more services they provide than abortion, and most refer to another hospital or clinic for the abortion procedure. All of the girls I know that have had children had to go to PP to confirm their pregnancy before going to another doctor, or receiving aid. I think gift cards are a good idea, because a woman's yearly exam is a must, and sometimes, women cannot afford them. Do the women who cannot afford to pay for their yearly exam not deserve the same benefits that women that can pay receive from having their yearly exam (knowing that they do/do not have cancerous cells, etc.)? I mean, someone has to pay for the gift card, so it's being gifted by someone who knows the possibilities of its use. Although, it may offend you, you are not being forced to purchase it, and you should be rather thankful that someone is willing to, because that is less of your tax dollars going to help a woman who needs it. I'm a member of Planned Parenthood of North Texas, and as much as I hated going to a PP clinic, before I had insurance, it was the only place I could go to have my yearly exam, and receive my prescription for BC. Lest we not forget how much funding has been stripped from PP during the Bush years.

"Do the women who cannot afford to pay for their yearly exam not deserve the same benefits that women that can pay receive from having their yearly exam (knowing that they do/do not have cancerous cells, etc.)?"

My question would be "Why can't they afford their exam?" Is it because they have failed to budget (and save) for it? I don't mind helping people, but I have a difficult time helping people who refuse to help themselves.

For someone that doesnt have health insurance and you are close to and care about, this is a GREAT idea. I think its hilarious how when people hear Planned Parenthood, they asume abortion. They do exams, contraceptives, vaccinations, birth-control and yes, abortions. Medical bills are expensive and I think its creative and usefull in times like these when so many people are being layed off and losing benefits.

"My question would be "Why can't they afford their exam?" Is it because they have failed to budget (and save) for it? I don't mind helping people, but I have a difficult time helping people who refuse to help themselves."

Wow, Undave- yes people fail to be able to afford healthcare because they aren't budgeting for it.

The costs of preventing pregnancy generally fall to women, as do many of the costs of raising children. I have health insurance, but my generic birth control is $25 a month with the insurance. I have been taking it for five years both to prevent pregnancy and regulate my cycle. Yep, that's $1500, without the necessary exams. And yeah, I have definitely gone several years without getting a yearly exam because I've never had health insurance that covered it. So, really, if my bf got me one of these gift cards if I went to PP, I'd be pretty excited. I can really see this as being a "gift" between couples struggling for money, as an easier way for the man to take some sort of responsibility for these costs, without actually just handing cash to his gf.

And seriously, we are one of the only first-world nations that does not have some form of national healthcare- yet we have the highest spending per capita on healthcare. And by many standards, such as infant mortality and life expectancy, we are slipping.

OK, you don't have Ins that covers the exam. How much does that cost? How much is that divided by the number of pay periods in a year? If you have to have the exam, then it needs to be a budgetary expense. I need a new car, so I'm putting money aside so I can get the car I want. If you choose to spend that money on something else, that's your decision, and you get to suffer the consequences.

Automatically associating Planned Parenthood with abortions is as ludicrous as associating a gynecologist with an "abortionist".

The attack against PP from the right is a horrible tactic used to refuse much needed care to lower class women. Furthermore, for someone who would want to put an effective END to abortion, sponsoring PP would probably be his best bet!

UnDave you really want to compare buying a car with paying for medical exams? You need to go to the clue store and get a clue! Let's talk about something other than an exam, like birth control for example. Or do you think that the poor people who can't afford it shouldn't be able to have sex. Actually... you might like that more!

And the whole point of this story is referring to the UNEMPLOYED who have little or NO "budget" to save or spend for that matter!

"Automatically associating Planned Parenthood with abortions is as ludicrous as associating a gynecologist with an "abortionist"'

How? They ARE indeed associated, are they not?

While it's unusual, I think it's excellent. And no, Planned Parenthood is NOT free. A lot of my friends in early 20s who don't have health insurance (many NYC companies are cutting health insurance for employees), they have to pay about $200 in exam fees and $20 for pills. They can also base it on your income if you sit down with someone.

I think people are ridiculous just equating Planned Parenthood with "abortionists" because THEY DO OTHER THINGS! It's a women's health clinic and with the economy the way it's heading, health care can be easily ignored and shoved to the side. This is telling you -- "hey, your body is still important even if you think you can't afford to be checked out."

I think it's a great idea - I would happily buy PP gift certificates for my friends. Anything that recognizes that times are tough and that right now (and most likely for some time to come), some people are having trouble even budgeting for rent is a welcome thoughtful gift. If you're doing well and don't need any help, be grateful and stop judging everyone else.

>My question would be "Why can't they afford their exam?" Is it because they have failed to budget (and save) for it? I don't mind helping people, but I have a difficult time helping people who refuse to help themselves.

What are you getting your mom for Christmas? A sweater? Why can't she afford her own sweater? I don't mind helping people but I have a difficult time buying sweaters for people who refuse to buy sweaters from themselves.

>How? They ARE indeed associated, are they not?

Right. And my Safeway is associated with a drug dealer because they sell alcohol and nyquil.

I am getting so sick of people being so ridiculous.

TrueSong -- I love the sweater relation!

True Song,

Don't forget the wire hangers at Safeway. This means that Safeway must be associated with Planned Parenthood.

"My question would be "Why can't they afford their exam?" Is it because they have failed to budget (and save) for it? I don't mind helping people, but I have a difficult time helping people who refuse to help themselves."

UnDave what you are missing is that is a freely given gift. If you feel that your sister or friend is being lazy or irresponsible then you don't have to buy this for them. I am not implying anything about your family. I am just using people who you would buy gifts as an example. I can see your point and others about taxes, even if I don't agree, but this is a gift certificate. You are no more expected to buy this then you are to buy me a Kindle.

I and many of my friends have been to Planned Parenthood, it is where I got my IUD and none to my knowledge have had an abortion, not that I see anything wrong with that. People forget in all the drama that Planned Parenthood also provides low income women with pre-natal care and counseling so that they may have and keep their babies safely. They even offer a few services to men as far a testing for STI's and exams. I have insurance I have to pay to attend my college, but it is not very good and if it weren't for PP after I was tested and had a colonoscopy for Colon Cancer, I would not have enough money for yearly exams. I couldn't "budget" for Crohn's.

What's ridiculous is to expect people not to mention the fact that PP does, indeed, perform abortions. No one here has said that's all they do, for crying out loud.
Hell, you supporters are the ones acting like it should be kept some dirty little secret. Get over it.

And TS, maybe you shouldn't be calling others ridiculous when you're the one saying
PP : abortions :: Safeway : drug dealing.

Planned Parenthood offers abortions along with a range of other services. Safeway sells drugs along with a range of other products. Both sell gift cards. I stick by the assertion that if a gift card at Planned parenthood is a gift of abortion, then a gift card to Safeway is a gift of drugs. Or condoms.

>What's ridiculous is to expect people not to mention the fact that PP does, indeed, perform abortions. No one here has said that's all they do, for crying out loud.
But you said this:
Planned Parenthood is synonymous with "abortions,"

So I don't see what your problem is with people pointing out that they offer about a flippity squillion other services that some people might not be aware of.

sweet! i'm going to ask for some!! I think that the complainers are just jealous because your gynecologist doesn't offer gift cards.

nv27: no, planned parenthood is not free; it is just cheaper for uninsured people. (My b.c. is $15/month)

Foxie,

Really? Get over such a private decision?

I have known a few people that have had to make that CHOICE. One woman was raped, another gang raped while people just watched and didn't help, a former boyfriend who found himself with his former partner in a situation that, beyond all of their prevention efforts, resulted in an unplanned pregnancy, and yet another who gave her child up for adoption. Who am I, or you, to take away options based on personal beliefs? Each and every person I know was faced with very hard choices that WILL ALWAYS be a part of them for life. They should be able to take in their options and make their OWN CHOICES for what is best for their particular situation. PP offers an option, not a solution. And I feel that should be protected.

It must be nice to have been so rich your entire life that you haven't had to worry about money. It must be nice to never have been extremely ill, but unable to afford going to a doctor for antibiotics, because you don't have the money to pay (can't exactly budget for an unexpected illness). It must've been great to not be taken off of your parent's insurance plan and left to figure out how you are going to pay for a yearly exam, and monthly birth control at 18 or 19(which without insurance is atleast $70 for the exam and $30/ month for BC (for those of you who balk at women not being able to afford, but have no idea as to the cost)). It must be wonderful to be a MAN and never have to worry about having to pay for a yearly exam, because you have NO UTERUS!! A man's opinion on abortion, birth control, or PP funding should not have the power to strip away women's rights. Why, exactly, is that you care so much about taking away a woman's access to healthcare? Is it because, as a man, you feel superior to women? I know the answer to this question...

I just remembered something! The $70 quote I gave for the exam is wrong. I was thinking of when I payed $70 to have my exam when I had insurance. I have not had to pay anymore than $26 for my exam when I was without insurance, thanks to PP.

Wow fuzzles, I didn't even say anything about abortions being wrong or about "taking away options." Way to put a big, giant spin on what I DID say. I'm not even pro-life, but your rant has been duly noted.

TS- Yes, for right or wrong, when people hear "Planned Parenthood," they will think of abortions. Because they perform abortions. It's not a secret, it's not wrong to point out. Once again, I don't think anyone here is saying that's all they do, and I don't have a problem with you pointing out their other services. I just have a problem with the attitude and asinine analogy.

Gosh...I'm spinning, I have been "duly" noted, and I am ranting. It must be that time of the month!

So...you agree with what OOm saying, just not how I say it? Because I'm now both ridiculous and asinine?

Whatever, lady.

OOm=I'm

"Or do you think that the poor people who can't afford it shouldn't be able to have sex. Actually... you might like that more!"

Why on earth would it be acceptable for somebody who can't even afford birth control to take the risk of having a child (which they definitely couldn't afford)? If you want to have recreational sex, you'd better be able to afford the birth control. Do I think they "should be able to have sex"? Well, I'm not sure who would stop them, but it would be seriously irresponsible to have sex without protection when you can't afford a child.

And True Song, the analogy was pretty poor. A 'drug dealer' and a 'pharmacist' are not the same thing. And abortion is an abortion.

And this is why the USA needs public healthcare. I can't imagine having to think about things like budgeting for basic things like a pelvic exam! I was spoiled when I lived in the UK and received free birth control. It was great!

We need public healthcare because you can't "imagine" having to be responsible for your own health? Or because you're "spoiled"?

Its weird, that is all I can think of to say.
I doubt these will be a huge seller or anything.

Michelin, I think that it's slightly out of touch to think that poor people should just refrain from having sex. Not even mentioning the ethical implications of that statement, what about practically speaking?

Between two options: 1) providing low cost birth control for women who can't afford it and 2) insisting that poor women refrain from having sex... which do you think would be the most effective in curbing unwanted or economically unfeasible pregnancies?

That's funny that you sarcastically referred to sex as "recreational." What the heck else would it be? haha. Unless you think that everytime a person makes love with her husband she should be expecting to have another child. And it's interesting how you assume that the poor people who can't afford BC are precisely the ones who would be engaging in what you call "recreational sex." Hate to break it to you, but there are plenty of married couples who are finding it hard to pay the prescription bills this year.

I think we all agree that it is irresponsible to have unprotected sex when you are not in a position to support a child. But the cost of birth control is something easily subsidized by the state or PP, where as raising a real-live human being is not!

Huh? Raising kids is definitely government subsidized. It shouldn't be, but that's another matter...

Some of the comments are spot on - glad people never change up and always have the same ideas.