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http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/deadly-cost-defunding-planned-parenthood-article-1.3297589
Years back, my friends daughter was at one of these federally funded health centers. She was informed of the positive pap smear . The next available appointment for further evaluation (not even treatment) was well over a month away. It was suggested to her that a local Planned Parenthood might be able to help her more quickly. Her further evaluation and treatment began in a weeks time at Planned Parenthood. They also were able to help her access other services quickly as well. Even after she got private insurance she kept going to Planned Parenthood for her GYN needs. She kept up with them until she started a family.
Its health centers are on the front lines of fighting women's cancers. Its health professionals provide life-saving screenings — from breast and pelvic exams to pap smears. Planned Parenthood is a critical part of America’s overburdened health care system.
As an oncologist, I know the difference Planned Parenthood screenings can make. They help doctors like me save lives.
For more than 16 years, I’ve led teams that provide comprehensive care for women diagnosed with pelvic cancers. When found at advanced stages, cancer treatment is debilitating and expensive. It can involve extensive surgeries, followed by chemotherapy and radiation.
There is no question that women diagnosed and treated at an early stage have better outcomes. They often avoid invasive treatments and can continue leading full lives as productive members of our society.
Trump signs law letting states block funds to Planned Parenthood
Despite advances in women’s health care, the U.S. medical system struggles to meet basic health care needs. Federally funded community health centers are over-extended and offer limited access. More than half of Planned Parenthood’s 650 health centers are in communities facing severe medical-provider shortages, where routine screenings can be difficult to obtain.
Planned Parenthood fills this void for women in need. Seventy-five percent of Planned Parenthood patients have incomes at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. The organization provides 600,000 cancer screenings each year, with 70,000 women diagnosed with pre-cancerous lesions or early-stage breast or cervical cancer. Planned Parenthood then expedites referrals to the specialists who deliver timely treatment.
Years back, my friends daughter was at one of these federally funded health centers. She was informed of the positive pap smear . The next available appointment for further evaluation (not even treatment) was well over a month away. It was suggested to her that a local Planned Parenthood might be able to help her more quickly. Her further evaluation and treatment began in a weeks time at Planned Parenthood. They also were able to help her access other services quickly as well. Even after she got private insurance she kept going to Planned Parenthood for her GYN needs. She kept up with them until she started a family.