The More You Know

Planned Parenthood Takes High Road Amid Women’s Issues Controversies, Starts Breast Health Initiative

We’ve witnessed a handful of unforgettable women-related controversies this year. Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh lashed out at a law student for supporting low-cost birth control, political commentator Hilary Rosen questioned whether mother of five Ann Romney has ever really worked before, and the latest offense comes from Rep. Todd Akin, who made the egregious mistake of suggesting that rape victims do not get pregnant because the body shuts down when sexually assaulted. I can’t decide whether Limbaugh or Akin was worse, but rather than stew in resentment over the idiocy going on right now, I’m going to applaud Planned Parenthood’s new Breast Health Initiative, which “will give more women access to lifesaving screenings, diagnostic services, and educational resources.” The website further explains:

“Clinical breast exams are provided at Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide. The expanded breast health program will provide additional funding for Planned Parenthood clinicians to give referrals and grants for specialized follow-up care, like ultrasounds and biopsies for women in need.”

As the family planning organization’s website notes, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her life. That statistic is nothing to shrug off. We can joke about the importance of touching ourselves during breast exams, but the condition is no laughing matter, so PP hosted an event yesterday on maintaining breast health. Daley Quinn of The Frisky was in attendance and shed light on what the initiative is all about:

Two factors, including fear and cost, are the biggest barriers preventing women from following up on their breast abnormalities. To combat these barriers, the initiative is focusing on providing education and funding to refer women to get diagnostic tests if an abnormality is found.

It’s easy to fear what the doctor will say and perhaps just as nerve-wracking to pay for the medical visit, but I cannot stress the importance of getting checked out and taking advantage of PP’s new services. Props to them for ignoring the constant stream of fights people have tried to pick with them and negativity to help women lead long and fulfilling lives.

TAGS: breast cancer | planned parenthood

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