Open Letter to Planned Parenthood Clients

To reach a member of the Clergy Group, please email clergy@ppaustin.org

Dear Planned Parenthood client:

We thank you for coming to Planned Parenthood for information and health care services to protect your sexual and reproductive health.  We are Austin clergy who represent various religious faiths.  While we may have different viewpoints on some issues, we share core beliefs as people of faith that we would like to share with you.

We believe as religious persons that the services Planned Parenthood provides are all morally permissible choices for women and men.  We know that you take your decisions about reproductive health care, engaging in sexual activity, and when and whether to bear children very seriously.  Many factors in your personal life may make certain decisions difficult.  For example, the decision to use regular birth control may be an easy decision for some, and a more challenging decision for others.  Reasons for each decision may be based on medical, physical, emotional, religious, or economic factors.  We support your right and trust your ability to choose what is best for you.

We believe as religious persons that you are the best person to make personal decisions affecting your reproductive health. No one knows the circumstances of your life as well as you.  No one knows what is in your heart better than you.  We trust that by coming to Planned Parenthood you have made your decision about specific health care you may need, such as emergency contraception or rapid HIV testing.  We trust that you have made the best decision for your personal life and your relationship with God.  We do not believe that it is the responsibility of other persons of faith to judge you, or the righteousness of your decision.  God granted us the ability to think and feel and choose.  Whatever your decision regarding your sexual health may be, if you make the decision thoughtfully, then you should allow yourself to be at peace and confident in your decision.

We believe as religious persons that your decisions regarding your sexual health will not change your relationship with God.  Our religious traditions teach that God shares in and has compassion for the struggles in our lives.  God not does expect us to be perfect or to live perfect lives.  The Bible portrays God as loving and compassionate, a God who sees human beings with their strengths and weaknesses and who loves them despite their human failings, mistakes, and choices.  We do not believe God is angry with you or will punish you for any choice you make regarding your sexual health.  Instead, we believe that God loves you, and that you can find strength, understanding and comfort in that love on days when you are doubting any past actions or decisions that you have made.

We believe as religious persons that your life needs to continue and flourish, and that you are deserving of support and assistance.  We know that some of the decisions one faces regarding sexual health are challenging.  You may wonder at times if you have made the correct decision.  You may experience any number of natural emotions, including doubt, relief or sorrow.  Experiencing these emotions or any others does not mean that a decision that you’ve made to protect your sexual health was wrong.  The feelings may mean, however, that you need to talk with someone about your decision.  It is important that you find peace regarding the decision you made, whether it is to go on birth control for the first time or to undergo treatment for a sexually transmitted infection.  If you would like support in your decisions, we encourage you to seek support from friends, family or clergy.  If it would be helpful for you to talk with a minister, email the Planned Parenthood Clergy Group clergy@ppaustin.org to be put in touch with someone who will talk with you about your choices and your decision free of charge. Please feel free to use this community resource.

Our hope for you is peace in your heart for taking steps to protect your reproductive health.

God bless you!