I was without health insurance for six years and relied on Planned Parenthood for pap smears, birth control, and breast cancer exams. After long struggles with side effects from the birth control pill, I went to Planned Parenthood for an IUD. They were unable to insert the IUD due to blockages behind my cervix, and referred me for an ultrasound.

Although I had health insurance at that point, I continued to rely on Planned Parenthood for their supportive and convenient care. A year later, a follow up exam showed that my uterine fibroids had grown immensely, and that explained my ongoing miserable lower back pain, and the chronic UTIs because of pressure on my bladder. I had a hysterectomy and have been relieved ever since. Thank you to the Planned Parenthood team who helped refer me to the care I needed for quality of life.

Not being a mother is right for me, and I’ve been able to contribute to my students’ educations ever since without missing work and suffering through painful issues related to my reproductive organs

Not being a mother is right for me, and I’ve been able to contribute to my students’ educations ever since without missing work and suffering through painful issues related to my reproductive organs. I value choice and Planned Parenthood.