What user information do we collect?

In order to improve the design of our Web site or analyze the services we offer, we gather user information in an aggregate form that does not identify individual users. For example, our logging software may recognize the home server of visitors, but not their email addresses or their identities. We may find that most of our users come to www.ppcw.org through search engines rather than from their IP domain. We may also find out the pages that are most frequently visited, the busiest time of day for the site, the average length of visit, and the most common type of browser used to access our site. This information helps us make decisions about designing, marketing, and organizing our Web Site, but does not identify individual users.

A note about cookies: A cookie is a small text file that web sites can write to your computer and later retrieve to save you re-typing and allow certain web-based applications to function. Unless your computer is infected with a virus or hostile program, the cookies written by a specific web site can only be read by that web site. For example, a cookie written by www.yahoo.com could not be read by www.ppcw.org, or vice-versa.

PPCW uses temporary cookies only in its Online Appointment Request System, Emergency Contraception Online, Contraception Online and Cost Calculator, to store the client pay-category you fall into, and the random ID number, if any, of your appointment-request. Your name, address, phone number, or any other personal information not is stored.

What personal information do we ask for?

In some areas of our site, we ask for information that personally identifies you, such as in these online forms: Volunteer, the Planned Parenthood Action Network, Keep Me Informed, Donate Online, and occasional feedback forms. This information is only obtained by us if you voluntarily provide it and is used to perform a function specifically requested by you (to receive volunteer info, to donate online, to receive an online newsletter, etc.). We will not disclose any personal information (without your advance permission) except when we believe the law requires us to do so or the disclosure is necessary to protect the rights or property of PPCW.

Names and e-mail addresses of Planned Parenthood contributors and supporters are not traded or sold to anyone without explicit permission of Planned Parenthood of the Columbia/ Willamette's Board of Directors.

Examples of when personal information is obtained or collected by PPCW and how it is used:

1. General email to PPCW

Email inquires are welcomed by PPCW. In the event that you send email to PPCW, we receive your email address and will use it only for responding to your request. Your email address will subsequently be discarded unless specified otherwise, such as a request by you to "keep me informed" or "add me to your online newsletter list", or other such requests to maintain contact with PPCW.

2. General feedback forms

Occasionally PPCW asks for feedback on issues, campaigns, or advertising materials. We will not collect or store your personal information unless you specify otherwise, such as "keep me informed" or "add me to your online newsletter list", or other such requests to maintain contact with PPCW.

3. Keep me informed/Online newsletter subscription

Within PPCW's Web site, as well as on various PPCW hardcopy correspondence, you are often given the opportunity to be "kept informed" or "receive PPCW's online newsletter". In such cases, you will be asked to provide your name and email address. This information will only be used to send you regular (approximately monthly or every other month) email updates about events and activities going on at PPCW. Occasionally, emails will be sent to inform you of time-sensitive information that can't make it into the online newsletter. When emails are sent, all subscribers will be "blind carbon copied" so your email address will not be available to other members of the list.

4. Donate online

If you choose to donate to PPCW online, all transactions occur through a "secure server". We use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), the industry standard for secure server and encryption, to communicate with your web browser. When communicating with secure servers, browsers like Netscape and Internet Explorer are programmed to encrypt information in a way that is extremely difficult for anyone to decode.

In order to process an online donation to PPCW, it is necessary to gather the your name, mailing address, phone and credit card or check information. This data is used to verify identity and execute the financial transaction. Additionally, phone number and email address information may be used to contact you in the rare instance of a problem with the transaction itself.

PPCW does retain donors' contact information. Names and e-mail addresses of Planned Parenthood contributors and supporters are not traded or sold to anyone without explicit permission of Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette's Board of Directors.

5. Volunteer signups

If you signup online to volunteer or for more information, this information will only be used to contact you regarding volunteer opportunities at PPCW.

6. Planned Parenthood Action Network (PPAN)

If you join the Planned Parenthood Action Network (PPAN) you will receive approximately two to three action alerts per month on issues pertaining to reproductive rights. We ask for your mailing address so that we can send you action alerts specific to your legislative district.

7. Appointments Online, Emergency Contraception Online, Contraception Online

If you make an appointment, request Emergency Contraception or Contraception from PPCW online, all information transfer takes places through a "secure server". We use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), the industry standard for secure server and encryption, to communicate with your web browser. When communicating with secure servers, browsers like Netscape and Internet Explorer are programmed to encrypt information in a way that is extremely difficult for anyone to decode.

In order to process these online transactions, it is necessary to gather the your name, mailing address, phone, credit card, and other personal data including medical information. This data is used to verify identity, execute the financial transaction, and provide the appropriate services. Additionally, phone number and email address information may be used to contact you for further information or in the rare instance of a problem with the transaction itself.

PPCW does retain patient information and maintains this information with the highest level of confidentiality, in compliance with HIPAA regulations. PPCW does not rent, sell, barter, or give away patient information for use by outside parties for any purpose, ever.

Unsubscribing/removing your name from our lists.

To remove your name or modify your contact information in our records, please contact us at info@ppcw.org.

Links to other web sites

Other Web sites or services that may be accessible through www.ppcw.org have separate data and privacy practices that are independent of us, and we disclaim any responsibility or liability for their policies or actions. Please contact those Web sites directly if you have questions about their privacy policies.

This Privacy Policy discloses PPCW's privacy practices for its Web site. We reserve the right to change and update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

Contact us

If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy, please feel free to contact us at:

PPCW Web Site Coordinator
3231 SE 50th Ave.
Portland, OR 97206
503.775.4931
info@ppcw.org