“Because Planned Parenthood was there when I was a young woman…Because they do more to prevent unwanted pregnancies than any other organization…Because they are unfairly under attack….Because I am outraged at our legislators and my small-minded fellow citizens”. – PPMT donor.
This note, included with a gift to Planned Parenthood of Montana (PPMT), reflects the feelings of most of us who believe in reproductive justice and accessible health care. To make an online gift today, go to our donation page. This past year, we weathered an unprecedented number of attacks on women’s health. From Congress being willing to shut down the federal government over funding for Planned Parenthood, to pregnant women being likened to pregnant cows by one of our own state legislators, there has been no other year quite like this one.
These short-sighted attacks are being waged because we provide abortions, even though more than 90% of what we do is preventive care. This includes life-saving cancer screenings, birth control, prevention and treatment of STDs, sexual health education, health counseling, and more. We work every day to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies, reducing the need for abortions.
The attacks are outrageous, but the action most detrimental to us was the elimination of family planning funding from the state biennial budget. We took another financial hit with a 5.6% reduction in Title X funding, a federal program that provides reproductive health care and contraception to low-income women. These cuts result in a $370,000 shortfall to PPMT alone!
What does this mean to those who depend on us for their reproductive health care? It means that our low-income patients will have fewer birth control options that are affordable and longer wait times for appointments. Additionally, there will be fewer patients that can benefit from the sliding-fee-scale provided by Title X. Since over 60% require some financial assistance, this impacts many women and teens across Montana.
Like many organizations, we are affected by the struggling economy. In spite of the difficulties, we are committed to providing essential services to the thousands of women and families that rely on Planned Parenthood of Montana. I urge you to help us ensure the health of our communities by making a generous donation today.
Thank you for your loyal support!
Sincerely,
Stacy C. James, MBA
President & CEO
To give to PPMT's 2011 Annual Campaign today, click here.
