Tell me it's not happening

"Did you hear? The House voted to bar Planned Parenthood from federal funding. They cut funding for HIV tests, cancer screenings, birth control, and more, putting millions of women and families at risk. We can't let it go unanswered. It's time for you and me to stand with Planned Parenthood. Sign the open letter to the reps who voted for this bill — and to the senators who still have a chance to stop it."

I signed the petition. How in the world can you cut funding to an organization that gives out birth control, does STD/STI screenings, tests for HIV and gives women and their families choices? Oh, I forgot - this is America.

Let me tell you all a little story. I went to Planned Parenthood once to get screenings and tests (because it's only right if you're sexually active). The office and waiting area for that particular center was absolutely packed with people because it was a day during the month where they would give out birth control for free. After I got pregnant and had my son, I told a lot of friends who were low on cash to go to planned parenthood if they needed birth control or needed to be tested. Let me tell you, nothing is more comforting than getting your tests back and knowing you're free of disease. It is so important for men and women to be careful and have the option of planned parenthood available to them. Not only does the center respect their privacy but they will work with your income. No one is ever turned away because of inability to pay. And without funding from the government who is going to pay Planned Parenthood? The people who work at these centers need to eat and pay their own bills.

I don't know what in the world is going on these days but I can not stand it anymore! Everything seems to be falling apart left and right. The upheaval in the U.S. as well as the turmoil in Africa/the Middle East. It's incredible that more people aren't reacting to it all. I don't want to blog about all of these issues because I am not a news reporter and I don't know anything that CNN/NBC or other news stations don't already know. So, please, if you're interested in what is going on in the world go to a new station, surf the web and find out. I just felt that this particular issue needed to be addressed on my blog because I am a young mother and I know how important planned parenthood is for other people who are not ready to have children or who need help because of their income. Not everyone in this country is blessed with fat pockets and health insurance.

Please sign the petition and write a letter to your representative! My representative, Elijah Cummings, did not vote for this bill (thank god). I am going to write him an e-mail thanking him for standing up for my rights. I suggest you find out how your representative voted and do the same! I just hope they can squash this in the senate. I am worried but I will still hold out hope.