I had a phenomenal sex education. My parents explained sex to me openly and without shame. I also received comprehensive sex ed in California, New Jersey, and New Hampshire. When I became sexually active, I felt both prepared and in control. I knew how to use condoms, I knew how to ask and give consent, and I knew the responsibilities associated with having sex. The only thing I DIDN’T know how to do was to navigate the health care system.

After my first time, I didn’t want to ask my parents to schedule a gynecologist appointment—I went straight to Planned Parenthood for my first STD/STI screen. Because I paid out of pocket, they discounted the screenings to an affordable cost.

From that first visit, I’ve been to them many, many times. I received my birth control from Planned Parenthood, also paying out of pocket. (Do you know how expensive that stuff is?!) When I had a UTI, I discovered that even though I had health insurance, I had not chosen a gynecologist and would have to wait weeks for a first visit or would have otherwise had to go to the emergency room. (Do you know how expensive the ER is?!) Planned Parenthood saw me as a walk-in patient and charged me an affordable amount for the visit. Also, during a lapse in my health insurance while I was contracting for work, I received all my well-woman visits there.

Essentially, Planned Parenthood has kept me healthy and prevented me from drowning in hospital bills.