Get real about getting it on! 

I am proud to be an abortion provider in Illinois, especially at a time when access is hanging by a thread in some parts of the country. Since Texas enacted its unconstitutional 6-week abortion ban and other states—including some of Illinois’ neighbors—are considering similar measures, we need everyone to fight to defend abortion access.

The small act of offering your pronouns and respecting others’ is a powerful way to spark inclusivity and normalize the gender spectrum. Keep reading to learn why it’s so important to get it right.

While the Civil Rights Act of 1964 made it illegal to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, it does not offer protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The Equality Act hopes to fix that.

When the pandemic closed schools in 2020, education—including sex ed—dramatically changed overnight. Like all educators, Planned Parenthood of Illinois quickly shifted our sex ed classes into virtual spaces. A year later, we’ve learned some surprising lessons that could reshape the future of sex ed in Illinois.

In my 20’s I felt like I was an empty basket. If I met someone who could fill my basket with as much self-loathing and hatred as I felt for myself, I would let them. By the time I was 26, I had three children when I discovered I was pregnant again. I’m telling my story now because I believe we all have a right to reproductive health care and there should be no shame in choices we make.

When people get positive STI diagnoses, cultural stigmas can leave them feeling isolated or shamed. STIs are extremely common, though they often go undetected and untreated. Here are three things you can do today to help break down stigmas and stay safe.

While the pandemic has forced many organizations to reduce services, rape crisis centers have continued to provide ongoing counseling, medical, and legal advocacy to survivors of sexual violence. But we can’t do this work alone. Raise your voice against sexual violence and help us support survivors.

Art gives me the strength to be my truest self, which was especially important during my transition. Through the creative process I was able to express what it was like to feel trapped. Through my art, I’m able to both be vulnerable and proud of who I am.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with young people seeking abortion, I see firsthand the harm created by the Parental Notification of Abortion Act (PNA). We need to trust young people to make their own health care decisions.