Louisiana Lagniappe, January 2021

On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade established the constitutional right to abortion, providing future generations the freedom to control their own bodies and lives.  Forty-eight years later, we celebrate that historic decision but also acknowledge that our fight is far from over. We know that the ability to exercise the legal right to abortion that Roe granted is not a reality for many, and access is limited – especially here in Louisiana. On this historic anniversary, we recommit ourselves to this fight in pursuit of a better future: one where safe, legal abortion — and all comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care — is accessible to all.

On Tuesday, March 30, PPGC will present our annual Baton Rouge Spring Fundraiser as a new and exciting two-part event: During the day, we will host a virtual moderated discussion for our event sponsors. This will feature a guest panel focused on the future of reproductive health access in the new Biden-Harris Administration. That night, we will host a socially distanced drive-in celebration with live entertainment and refreshments. Friends and supporters have the option to join us from the comfort of their own homes or safely in person to support our efforts in the Baton Rouge community.

Help us reach our $35,000 fundraising goal by visiting ppgulfcoast.org/brevent, or email [email protected] for more information. We hope you can join us!

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and our PPGC educators are here to give you the knowledge you need to stay healthy!

Join us on January 27 for a free virtual session where we’ll answer common questions like “what causes cervical cancer?” and “what is HPV?” Learn how to protect yourself from HPV, what to expect during a cervical cancer screening, and how to separate cancer myths from facts.

Enero marca el inicio del Mes de Concientización sobre la salud cervical y nuestros Educadores de Planned Parenthood están aquí para presentarle la información que necesita para mantenerse saludable.

Obtenga respuestas a preguntas comunes como, ¿qué causa el cáncer de cuello uterino? ¿Qué es el VPH (virus del papiloma humano)? Aprenda a protegerse del VPH, qué esperar durante una prueba de detección de cáncer de cuello uterino y cómo separar los mitos del cáncer de los hechos.

Regístrese para esta SESIÓN VIRTUAL GRATUITA en enero 25.

The PPGC Public Affairs team is looking forward to a new year and the opportunity to deepen our community relationships. In both New Orleans and Baton Rouge, we are relaunching our Planned Parenthood Young Leaders outreach and development arm. These young professionals will be charged with supporting our movement, fundraising for our community programs, participating in our Legislative Rapid Response team, and hosting networking events to engage with other young people in our cities. If you’re interested in getting more involved with these efforts or want to learn more about PPYL events, please email [email protected].

We are actively recruiting college students to join Planned Parenthood Generation Action. We need these volunteers to engage their peers in advocating for reproductive health and education and to support civic engagement efforts like voter registration. Together with our Education Team, we will offer virtual sex-ed sessions with topics including the pandemic’s impact on healthy relationships, access to birth control options, and so much more. If you want to make a difference on your campus, please email your local organizer at [email protected].

The 2021 legislative session is quickly approaching. If you want to join the fight against extremist, dangerous attacks on reproductive health, sign up for our Legislative Rapid Response Team,. an elite group of activists who commit to specific actions during our fast-paced legislative sessions. With a range of activities based on your time and availability, there's a way for you to make your voice heard! Register here.

Has Planned Parenthood changed your life? Do you have a story to share? We’re always looking for new voices to uplift. To find out more about our Speakers Bureau and future storytelling opportunities, please email [email protected].

Planned Parenthood’s Chat/Text Program allows people from all over the world to chat in real time, online and via mobile chat platforms, with Planned Parenthood’s expertly trained sexuality educators. Educators are available seven days a week to answer users’ questions about birth control, STIs, pregnancy, abortion, relationships, and so much more. Aijha, a PPGC Health Educator in Baton Rouge, and Bria, a PPGC Health Educator in New Orleans, have been trained to assist users in navigating their questions about sexual health. They now correspond with users as part of PPGC’s regular education outreach programming. To chat, simply visit plannedparenthood.org/online-tools/chat or text “PPNOW” to 774636.

Apply to join teenREACH in New Orleans or Baton Rouge today!