Insider News March 2024
In this issue:
- President & CEO Message
- Health Care: Mifepristone is Still Available at PPHP
- Education: Sex Education for the I/DD Community
- Advocacy & Government Relations: Four Chances To Get Involved in March
- You can continue to make Care. No Matter What. possible!
- In Case You Missed It
Dear Friends,
Last week, our Chief Medical Officer Dr. Meera Shah had the honor of attending the State of the Union as Representative Nydia Velázquez’s guest. Dr. Shah attended with fellow health care workers, patients, and community members, highlighting this pivotal moment for reproductive justice on the national stage. Their presence was an important reminder that across the country, many are working towards a future where reproductive freedom is no longer up for debate and all people have access to the health care they need and deserve.
At Planned Parenthood, we’re celebrating a recent win for birth control access: over-the-counter birth control will hit shelves later this month. Access to birth control is essential, especially at a time when sexual and reproductive health care is under attack nationwide. Making birth control pills available over the counter can help bridge gaps in access and give people greater control over their health and lives.
Birth control is not one-size-fits-all. The more safe, effective birth control options available, the better. There are many types of birth control available, and everyone responds to each type of birth control differently. PPHP is always here to support patients in making the birth control decision that is right for them. If you have questions, please call our health centers at 800-230-PLAN or visit our website at pphp.org.
Thank you for your continued support of PPHP. We could not do this work without you.
In this together,
Vincent Russell
President & CEO
Health Care: Mifepristone is Still Available at PPHP
Later this month, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments regarding the approval of mifepristone, one of two medications commonly used in medication abortions. Mifepristone is safe and effective; this case is a calculated attack on abortion access that will deny people the freedom to make their own health care decisions. Access and approval to mifepristone remains FDA approved and available at all PPHP health centers.
Here are some frequently asked questions about mifepristone and medication abortion:
- What is the abortion pill? “Abortion pill” is the common name for using two different medicines to end a pregnancy: mifepristone and misoprostol. You can also use misoprostol alone to have an abortion, but in general, taking both mifepristone and misoprostol is a bit more effective than taking misoprostol only.
- Is mifepristone safe? Mifepristone is safe, effective, and has been used by more than five million people in the United States for abortion and miscarriage care since the FDA approved it more than 20 years ago. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies mifepristone as one of the “core essential medications” for basic health care systems.
- Is the abortion pill the same thing as Plan B? No. Abortion pills end a pregnancy — so you use them when you’re already pregnant. Emergency contraception can stop pregnancy from happening in the first place — so you use it soon after sex but before you get pregnant.
- When can you take the abortion pill? Medication abortion is offered up to 11 weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period. If it’s been 78 days or more since the first day of your last period, you can have an in-clinic abortion to end your pregnancy.
- How do I get abortion pills? You can get abortion pills from a doctor, nurse practitioner, health clinic, or Planned Parenthood health center. All 10 PPHP health centers offer medication abortion.
Learn more about medication abortion here. For questions or to make an appointment, visit pphp.org or call 800-230-PLAN.
Education: Sex Education for the I/DD Community
Our Education & Training (E&T) team started the year with lobbying in Albany at our annual Day of Action. Members of our team, Em Moratti and Joelle Schantz, spoke at the rally and to our New York State representatives about the importance of sex education in schools and our communities. Our team aims to reach as many people as possible in our work from youth to parents, but that’s not enough. It’s imperative that medically accurate, age appropriate, comprehensive sex education is available to all New Yorkers, and that can only happen with strong legislation supporting sexual health educators.
In January, our team continued to work with partners who serve our most vulnerable community members. Our programming included workshops at:
- Pleasantville Lab School to provide Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities programming,
- Children’s Village, a residential treatment center for children,
- Daytop Preparatory School, working with youth with substance use disorders, and
- Mercy Centers, where we provided parent programming.
To do this specialized work and acknowledge its often-challenging nature, several of our team members attended the “Drawing from a Deeper Well” conference for and by Planned Parenthood educators. The conference theme, “Claiming our Space. Reclaiming our Narrative,” was an acknowledgement of the challenging political climate around sex education, as well as the perseverance required from educators to continue this work.
To learn more about our education and training programs visit Education & Training | Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, Inc.
Advocacy & Government Relations: Four Chances To Get Involved in March
We’ve never needed your voice more in the fight for sexual and reproductive rights. If you’re looking to get involved in issues impacting New Yorkers, we have four virtual opportunities for activists in March! There is something for everyone.
For the sex education activists: With new attacks on reproductive health occurring every day, educating young people about sexual and reproductive health is more important than ever. First, join us for our Sex Education Teach-In on March 19 to learn what’s next in sex education advocacy. Then, join us for our Queer Sex Education Workshop on March 26. This workshop will be a collaborative space that helps participants understand just how dire the need for sex education is for LGBTQ+ young people and models what queer-inclusive sex education looks like. All are welcome to attend one or both!
For voting enthusiasts: Your voice, and your vote, will be critical in ensuring the protection of reproductive rights this year. During the general election, the New York Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) will be on the ballot for all voters to decide. Join us at the Equal Rights Amendment Teach-In on March 21 to learn more about this critical ballot initiative and how to get involved.
For community leaders: Interested in taking your volunteer work with Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic to the next level? Sign up to be a Community Outreach Volunteer! Our next information session is on March 20. All volunteers must attend an info session before training, so don’t miss out!
Come Join Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic!
PPHP has employment opportunities in our health centers and administrative offices.
If you’re interested in working for a leading provider of sexual and reproductive health care and a trusted source for education and advocacy, apply to work at PPHP today. You can learn more about open positions and working at PPHP here.
Be sure to mark your calendars and share these events with your friends and family.
Sex Education Teach-In
Tuesday, March 19
Virtual
More information here
Community Outreach Volunteer Information Session
Wednesday, March 20
Virtual
More information here
Equal Rights Amendment Teach-In
Thursday, March 21
Virtual
More information here
Queer Sex Education Workshop
Tuesday, March 26
Virtual
More information here
A Night for Our Rights
Thursday, May 9
Oheka Castle, Huntington
More information here
Youth Lobby Day
Tuesday, April 9
Albany
More information here
Making Waves: PPHP’s Hamptons Benefit
Saturday, June 1
The Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club
More information to come
PPHP's Wine Tasting
Sunday, September 8
The Old Field Club, East Setauket
More information to come
For more information, visit our Calendar of Events. We look forward to seeing you!
You can continue to make Care. No Matter What. possible!
A monthly gift to PPHP ensures security for patients in your local communities. Consider joining our Monthly Giving Program today at www.pphp.org/donatetoday.
Double your impact! Does your employer have a matching gift program? Check with your Human Resources Department to find out. For questions, contact the Development Department at [email protected].
Committed to safeguarding the future of reproductive health care? Consider leaving a legacy gift to PPHP in your will. Please contact the Development Department at [email protected].
Do you have a little bit of time to get more involved? Visit www.pphp.org for ways you can help.
PPHP in the News:
Letter to the Editor: In support of Clarkstown’s gender-affirming policies - Mid Hudson News
New York guest list for 2024 State of the Union - City & State New York (cityandstateny.com)
Additional News:
First over-the-counter birth control pill begins shipping in US | AP News
History Shows the Uselessness of Exemptions to Abortion Bans | TIME
Alabama Passes Law to Protect I.V.F. Treatments - The New York Times (nytimes.com)