Albertsons Censors Seventeen

Planned Parenthood Expresses Outrage at Albertsons for Censoring Seventeen Magazine Sexual Health Article Leads to Removal of Publication

New York, NY — Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) today expressed outrage at the removal by Albertsons stores of the October issue of Seventeen magazine. Albertsons pulled the magazine from 2,500 stores across the country citing objections to an article titled "Vagina 101." The article provides basic health information targeted to young women, who form the bulk of Seventeen readers.

"It is nothing short of astounding that Albertsons would censor this basic sexual health information," said PPFA National Medical Committee Chair Scott Spear, M.D., director of clinical services, University Health Services, and associate professor of pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison. "Too often, young people don't know where to turn for accurate information about their reproductive health care. In removing the magazine, Albertsons has done a disservice to teens by blocking access to information that serves to keeps them healthy. Young women deserve better, and Albertsons should quickly reconsider their decision."

Studies show that access to medically accurate information about sexuality and body functions play an important role in lowering rates of teen pregnancy, abortion and sexually transmitted infections. To that end, Info For Teens, PPFA's award-winning sexual health Web site, gives teens the facts about sexual health so they can make responsible choices. Info For Teens provides honest and nonjudgmental information about sexuality in language teens can understand with the hope that they will use this knowledge to reduce their risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.