Planned Parenthood Honours Clinton with its prestigious award

U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton is in the news again but this time, her philanthropic efforts are at the core of her gender. Clinton was honoured by Family Planning for her contribution to women's rights last night in Houston, TX.

In light of recent studies showing a trend in the ineffective outcome of federally funded multi-million dollar "Abstinence-Only" programs being implemented in schools across the United States, some safe conclusions are being drawn by comprehensive educators who are more concerned with providing fact-based information to the population. Planned Parenthood Federation of American is still a leader in factual information, providing help and realistic options to those searching for truth. On Friday night, the United States Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton was expected to receive the "Margaret Sanger" award (pdf) for being a key player in women's rights. The National Conference was held in Houston, Texas for the first time in 30-years with Texas being one of the biggest movements against factual education regarding sexual health. Of course, this could be because Texas is number one on the list for receiving Federal Funds that are tied into programs, including those that preach the ineffective abstinence-only message. In the Houston Chronicle, Hillary Clinton made a profound and truly valid statement in light of oppression of women in other cultures and countries:

“A society that denies and demeans women’s rights and roles is a society that is more likely to engage in behavior that is negative, anti-democratic and leads to violence and extremism”

She is known for her bold words against China, who force abortions and sterilizations upon their women as well as preventing them from becoming participants at the Women in Beijing Conference. She was also key in "cock-blocking" the prevention of the FDA-approved morning after pill which became available as an OTC drug to women 18 and older in 2006. Plan B is now available to 17-year-olds in the same fashion under a recent Federal ruling. Those under 17 must obtain a prescription. This honour did not go without its opposition. The local report highlights the religious link between factual education and the opposing forces, with an individual from the Houston Area Pastor Council quoted as saying "They are the largest abortion provider in the country and the largest abortion advocate in the country." Other pro-life advocates made clear statements, equating Clinton's receiving of the award to her being "involved with pro-abortion group." Protests and prayer vigils were held outside the conference location. Planned Parenthood operates nearly 900 centers nationwide, where the primary focus is pregnancy and disease prevention for those who choose sexual activity. The centers provide:

safe, reliable services that prevent unintended pregnancies through contraception, reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections through testing and treatment, and screen for cervical and other cancers. Caring physicians, nurse practitioners, and other staff take time to talk with clients, encouraging them to ask questions and discuss their feelings in a confidential setting.

A much different open-style format with an option/consequence based environment. They also operate an excellent education fact-based and relevant website called Teenwire.com, that helps with topics such as teaching girls how to use a tampon, including the different types, insertion and removal, as well as common questions associated with their use such as the false belief that tampon usage will cause the loss of virginity, Toxic Shock Syndrome and how often to change them. There are also topics providing factual information about sex, gender-based relationships and even abortion. For example, anti-abortion groups have developed a false syndrome that has not been substantiated by the medical community, as a fear-based tool to put an end to that which they believe is wrong. The website provides factual information for those who are unable to communicate with their parents or caregivers about the subject. Margaret Sanger, the founder of planned parenthood, saw a need for birth control back in 1916, a time when it was simply inappropriate to discuss sex, much less prevent pregnancy. Women at the time weren't allowed to vote or even divorce their husbands. Her mother died at the age of 40 after 18 pregnancies and 11 children. Sanger worked as a nurse and saw countless unwanted pregnancies and the results of illegal back-alley abortions which gave rise to a need. Helping those who will make decisions regardless of the law. In light of the thalidomide and rubella outbreaks that caused massive fetal deformity, abortion needs in the country raised concerns over a reformed plan for safe and legal abortions. Her clinic was the focus of police raids because she disseminated birth control information and her life's work, although the center of attack by anti-abortion groups still today, Sanger paved the way for appropriate sexual health for women and now, her dream of pregnancy prevention has blossomed into fact-based information for not only women but issues surrounding men as well. Planned Parenting and its founder made incredible breakthroughs regarding women's rights to make choices about their own body, especially in the area of pregnancy prevention. Hillary Rodham Clinton received the award, following one of last year's recipient, Actress Kate Walsh, or more commonly known as Dr. Addison on Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice, noted by the organization's president as being:

"such an important advocate on behalf of women's health domestically and, of course, now her platform has increased by the work that she's doing worldwide on behalf of everyone"

Politicking and religious beliefs aside, the honour bestowed upon Clinton shows just how much of an impact political leaders can have on our community education; an education that benefits many and puts the focus on health, well-being and factual information instead of fear-based programs that fail to deter teens from having sex. Congratulations.