This 4th of July, Remember That True Independence Demands Reproductive Freedom
Contact: [email protected]
For Immediate Release: July 3, 2019
True Independence Relies on the Ability to Take Charge of Your Reproductive and Sexual Health
(New Haven, Conn.) – As America honors the 4th of July, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) reminds the people of Connecticut and Rhode Island that true independence relies on one’s ability to make decisions about their body—and the means to access the information and health care services they need to take charge of their reproductive and sexual health.
During this moment of national celebration, it is important to remember that many still encounter barriers to basic, essential health care, especially people of color, those with low incomes, immigrants, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Trump administration and politicians across the country continue to limit access to health care—from extreme and unlawful bans on safe, legal abortion to enforcing a “gag rule” on Title X, the nation’s only program for affordable family planning services, to the roll-out of a discriminatory “conscience rule” that allows providers to refuse care based on their personal beliefs. These attacks only make it harder for people to get the care they need and keep true independence almost impossible to achieve.
“Our most fundamental freedom is our right to make decisions about our own health and to control our own bodies,” said Kafi Rouse, Vice President of Public Relations and Marketing at PPSNE. “Yet politicians across the country are intent on denying people their essential liberty by restricting access to health care, legislating what we can do with our bodies, vilifying our unique identities and attacking the country’s most vulnerable communities. During this national holiday, remember that many Americans still lack the freedom to live full, healthy lives.”
Central to realizing full independence is managing your reproductive and sexual health. Planned Parenthood of Southern New England is proud to provide critical reproductive health care services at 17 health centers across Connecticut and Rhode Island, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. PPSNE works in collaboration with community partners and activists to advocate for policies, both locally and nationally, to dismantle barriers to health care and secure the right for everyone to control their own bodies. Each year, PPSNE educators conduct more than 400 workshops and training sessions to empower adults and young people with essential information about healthy sexuality to make informed decisions about their future.
On this 4th of July, PPSNE invites people in Connecticut and Rhode Island to reflect on the true meaning of independence. Reproductive health is health care, and health care is a human right. Consider taking charge of your reproductive health by making an appointment at a PPSNE health center by calling 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) or visiting ppsne.org.