Planned Parenthood.

I don't post much from the political realm here on the Empirical. In fact, I make the conscious decision to avoid it most of the time. Who and what I vote on and the causes I support are hardly a secret to anyone following along, but for the most part I keep to myself. Reason is I'm super opinionated and you're likely to get an unwelcome earful if I ever get started. This usually ends with me being upset, not at you, but at the general state of things. Frustrated.

I was incredibly frustrated with the Susan G. Komen Foundation decision to defund Planned Parenthood this week. The decision has already been reversed—draw your own conclusions as to why this occurred so quickly. I'm pleased with the outcome but the drama of it all leaves a bad taste. The political motivation behind the initial decision to defund is clear to me. I've donated to the Komen Foundation in the past, but I must say I've soured on them and am unlikely to continue my support.

On the other hand, my support for Planned Parenthood will likely increase. When funding for this organization was threatened not very long ago by Republican legislation, I thought of posting in support of PP. I did not; see reasons stated above. This week, realizing how quickly a single decision can jeopardize so many lives, I thought it was a good time to say something here.

I've never been to a Planned Parenthood, however, nearly all of my female friends have. I've been very fortunate my entire life to have had access to healthcare. There were very expensive years of insurance payments and copays and my coverage has lapsed for numerous reasons [sometimes at the fault of employers or insurance providers] and I still consider myself a lucky one. My friends that have not had insurance and/or an income sufficient to pay for healthcare, were still able to access quality services and medication at affordable cost at PP. For this I am grateful.

I'm a strong believer in cancer screenings. Early detection is essential. We lost a loved one in November to this disease. The very same day, a very close family friend informed me that she has breast cancer. She is currently undergoing aggressive chemotherapy treatment. I'm sure you also have loved ones touched by this disease.

We cannot keep screenings from lower income women.

Thank Planned Parenthood for all that they do for this country by donating at their website.