ARGUS LEADER
Letters: Abstinence works every time
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Great Piece in Argus Regarding Abstinence-Only Funding
Check out this great piece that was on Sunday's front page of the Argus Leader:
May 24, 2009
Abstinence-only focus loses favor, money
Sioux Falls-based organization unfazed by shift, but others say less federal funding curtails work
Josh Verges jverges@argusleader.com
EDGERTON, Minn. - For her final sex education lesson of the week, guest speaker Afton Johnson handed signs with phrases such as "trust," "similar dreams," and "in love" to 15 high school freshmen and asked them to line up in the proper order of a healthy relationship.After a couple minutes of shuffling, a boy stood at the far left of the classroom holding a card reading "high self-esteem." At the far right was a girl holding "sex," immediately preceded by another representing "marriage."For 13 years, that's been the order of things in federally funded sex education: Marriage is the norm and premarital sex is dangerous, according to abstinence-education guidelines established by Bill Clinton's Welfare Reform Act of 1996.
With continued support from George W. Bush, the federal government has spent almost $1.3 billion this decade on abstinence-only programs such as the one Johnson was teaching for a Sioux Falls-based program.But President Obama, relying on studies that show abstinence-only education is ineffective, now is proposing to change the message to one that promotes abstinence while also providing medically accurate information on contraception. That research includes two studies commissioned by Congress in recent years.
For South Dakota, where organizations focusing on abstinence-only education have thrived on millions of federal dollars in support of their mission, the shift could mean real changes in the way teens are taught about the birds and bees.And while Sioux Falls is home to a nationally prominent abstinence-advocacy organization, the group is not allowed in the city's public school classrooms.Obama's 2010 budget proposes to spend $178 million on teen pregnancy prevention. Between $75 million and $85 million would be spent on programs that have proved to delay sexual activity, increase use of contraceptives or reduce teen pregnancy.
Such comprehensive programs have been shown to delay sexual activity, reduce the number of sexual partners and increase contraceptive use. Most researchers agree abstinence-only programs have no effect on sexual activity.Up to $35 million would pay for "additional models and innovative strategies," which could include abstinence-only programs.
Read more
May 24, 2009
Abstinence-only focus loses favor, money
Sioux Falls-based organization unfazed by shift, but others say less federal funding curtails work
Josh Verges jverges@argusleader.com
EDGERTON, Minn. - For her final sex education lesson of the week, guest speaker Afton Johnson handed signs with phrases such as "trust," "similar dreams," and "in love" to 15 high school freshmen and asked them to line up in the proper order of a healthy relationship.After a couple minutes of shuffling, a boy stood at the far left of the classroom holding a card reading "high self-esteem." At the far right was a girl holding "sex," immediately preceded by another representing "marriage."For 13 years, that's been the order of things in federally funded sex education: Marriage is the norm and premarital sex is dangerous, according to abstinence-education guidelines established by Bill Clinton's Welfare Reform Act of 1996.
With continued support from George W. Bush, the federal government has spent almost $1.3 billion this decade on abstinence-only programs such as the one Johnson was teaching for a Sioux Falls-based program.But President Obama, relying on studies that show abstinence-only education is ineffective, now is proposing to change the message to one that promotes abstinence while also providing medically accurate information on contraception. That research includes two studies commissioned by Congress in recent years.
For South Dakota, where organizations focusing on abstinence-only education have thrived on millions of federal dollars in support of their mission, the shift could mean real changes in the way teens are taught about the birds and bees.And while Sioux Falls is home to a nationally prominent abstinence-advocacy organization, the group is not allowed in the city's public school classrooms.Obama's 2010 budget proposes to spend $178 million on teen pregnancy prevention. Between $75 million and $85 million would be spent on programs that have proved to delay sexual activity, increase use of contraceptives or reduce teen pregnancy.
Such comprehensive programs have been shown to delay sexual activity, reduce the number of sexual partners and increase contraceptive use. Most researchers agree abstinence-only programs have no effect on sexual activity.Up to $35 million would pay for "additional models and innovative strategies," which could include abstinence-only programs.
Read more
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Women Struggling to Afford Care
From Tuesday's Argus Leader
By Shannon Stevens
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently released a new report placing a spotlight on the impact that the nation's health care crisis is having on women, particularly women of childbearing age.
The report, titled "Roadblocks to health care: Why the current health care system does not work for women," states that "women are more vulnerable to high health care costs ... (because) women's reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly Pap tests, mammograms and obstetric care."
The report from Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius underscores the real need to ensure that women have access to quality, affordable reproductive health care as part of any health reform effort. The findings of the report reaffirm what we see firsthand at Planned Parenthood health centers every day when women turn to us for affordable, accessible, high-quality preventive care.
Planned Parenthood health centers in our region are seeing an increase in patients who have lost their jobs or their health insurance or who no longer have the money to pay for lifesaving medical care. Some women are deferring annual exams, including preventive cancer screenings, and buying fewer cycles of contraception.
To get a sense of how widespread the need for health care reform is, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Commonwealth Fund say there are 45.7 million Americans without health insurance and an additional 25 million who are underinsured.
On top of that, one in five nonelderly women is underinsured, and more than 17 million women need publicly supported reproductive health care, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Guttmacher Institute.
According to the Women's Research and Education Institute, women of childbearing age spend 68 percent more in out-of-pocket health care costs than men in part because of reproductive health-related supplies and services. A recent survey conducted for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that women are delaying their annual exams as a result of the economic downturn.
Here in South Dakota, having a job doesn't mean having health insurance. In fact, 72 percent of the uninsured are employed. According to the Center for American Progress, only North Dakota and New Hampshire have higher rates of workers without health coverage.
As health care providers, we know firsthand that women are disproportionately affected by the economic downturn and in tough times will put many things before their own basic health care.We know sexually transmitted infections continue to pose a serious public health threat in the country, particularly to young women. Without detection and treatment, these infections can lead to serious short- and long-term health consequences, including infertility.
The demand for health care is urgent, and the value of prevention, a cornerstone of Planned Parenthood services, is self-evident.As state and federal governments consider reforms to our health care system, we all have a critical interest in not only maintaining access to quality health care services for our patients but also in expanding access to all in need of comprehensive health care in order to build healthier, stronger families.
Additional Facts
MY VOICE
Shannon Stevens, 32, of Sioux Falls is the South Dakota public affairs manager for Planned Parenthood Minnesota/South Dakota.
By Shannon Stevens
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently released a new report placing a spotlight on the impact that the nation's health care crisis is having on women, particularly women of childbearing age.
The report, titled "Roadblocks to health care: Why the current health care system does not work for women," states that "women are more vulnerable to high health care costs ... (because) women's reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly Pap tests, mammograms and obstetric care."
The report from Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius underscores the real need to ensure that women have access to quality, affordable reproductive health care as part of any health reform effort. The findings of the report reaffirm what we see firsthand at Planned Parenthood health centers every day when women turn to us for affordable, accessible, high-quality preventive care.
Planned Parenthood health centers in our region are seeing an increase in patients who have lost their jobs or their health insurance or who no longer have the money to pay for lifesaving medical care. Some women are deferring annual exams, including preventive cancer screenings, and buying fewer cycles of contraception.
To get a sense of how widespread the need for health care reform is, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Commonwealth Fund say there are 45.7 million Americans without health insurance and an additional 25 million who are underinsured.
On top of that, one in five nonelderly women is underinsured, and more than 17 million women need publicly supported reproductive health care, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Guttmacher Institute.
According to the Women's Research and Education Institute, women of childbearing age spend 68 percent more in out-of-pocket health care costs than men in part because of reproductive health-related supplies and services. A recent survey conducted for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that women are delaying their annual exams as a result of the economic downturn.
Here in South Dakota, having a job doesn't mean having health insurance. In fact, 72 percent of the uninsured are employed. According to the Center for American Progress, only North Dakota and New Hampshire have higher rates of workers without health coverage.
As health care providers, we know firsthand that women are disproportionately affected by the economic downturn and in tough times will put many things before their own basic health care.We know sexually transmitted infections continue to pose a serious public health threat in the country, particularly to young women. Without detection and treatment, these infections can lead to serious short- and long-term health consequences, including infertility.
The demand for health care is urgent, and the value of prevention, a cornerstone of Planned Parenthood services, is self-evident.As state and federal governments consider reforms to our health care system, we all have a critical interest in not only maintaining access to quality health care services for our patients but also in expanding access to all in need of comprehensive health care in order to build healthier, stronger families.
Additional Facts
MY VOICE
Shannon Stevens, 32, of Sioux Falls is the South Dakota public affairs manager for Planned Parenthood Minnesota/South Dakota.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
8th Circuit Update
From the Argus Leader:
PLANNED PARENTHOOD SEEKS INJUNCTION
Lawyers for Planned Parenthood this week filed for an injunction in federal court after state officials warned the agency that it could be sanctioned if it fails to use state-approved abortion disclosure forms.
The filing is the latest round in a four-year court battle between the state of South Dakota and Planned Parenthood of Minnesota and the Dakotas.
Planned Parenthood is resisting demands that it use specific, state-approved language in the paperwork that is presented to women seeking abortions.
The organization objects to its doctors being forced to use phrases that Planned Parenthood considers ideological, such as: "That the abortion will terminate the life of a whole, separate, unique, living human being."
State Health Department officials declined to comment on what sanctions Planned Parenthood might face, or if there is a deadline for the agency to comply with the health department's demand.
Read more
PLANNED PARENTHOOD SEEKS INJUNCTION
Lawyers for Planned Parenthood this week filed for an injunction in federal court after state officials warned the agency that it could be sanctioned if it fails to use state-approved abortion disclosure forms.
The filing is the latest round in a four-year court battle between the state of South Dakota and Planned Parenthood of Minnesota and the Dakotas.
Planned Parenthood is resisting demands that it use specific, state-approved language in the paperwork that is presented to women seeking abortions.
The organization objects to its doctors being forced to use phrases that Planned Parenthood considers ideological, such as: "That the abortion will terminate the life of a whole, separate, unique, living human being."
State Health Department officials declined to comment on what sanctions Planned Parenthood might face, or if there is a deadline for the agency to comply with the health department's demand.
Read more
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Roadblocks for Women's Health Care
PLANNED PARENTHOOD APPLAUDS NEW HHS REPORT UNDERSCORING NEED
FOR INCLUSION OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN NATIONAL REFORM EFFORTS
Report Highlights Roadblocks for Women in Current Health Care System
St. Paul — Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota (PPMNS) applauds the Department of Health and Human Services for a new report, released during National Women’s Health Week, placing a spotlight on the impact that the nation’s health care crisis is having on women, particularly women of childbearing age. The report, titled "Roadblocks to Health Care: Why the Current Health Care System Does Not Work for Women" states that "women are more vulnerable to high health care costs.... (because) women’s reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly Pap test, mammograms, and obstetric care."
“The report from Secretary Sebelius underscores the real need to ensure that women have access to quality, affordable reproductive health care as part of any health reform effort,” said PPMNS President and CEO Sarah Stoesz.. “The findings of the report reaffirm what we see firsthand at Planned Parenthood health centers every day, when women turn to us for affordable, accessible, high-quality preventive care,” Stoesz said.
In Planned Parenthood clinics across Minnesota, PPMNS has seen a surge in the number of women who have lost their jobs and insurance coverage, are worried about job loss or are returning to us for care during these tough economic times. In the past year, PPMNS has seen a 54% increase in demand for long term contraception. “Women can do the math. They know if they are about to lose their insurance, if their hours are being cut back, that reliable long term contraception makes fiscal sense,” said Stoesz.
As the HHS report states, women are more vulnerable to high health care costs because women’s reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly Pap test, mammograms, and obstetric care. Planned Parenthood health centers across Minnesota are seeing an increase in patients who have lost their jobs, health insurance or who no longer have the money to pay for lifesaving medical care. Some women are deferring annual exams including preventive cancer screenings and buying fewer cycles of contraception.
According to the Women's Research and Education Institute, women of childbearing age spend 68 percent more in out-of-pocket health care costs than men, in part because of reproductive health-related supplies and services. A recent survey conducted for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that women are delaying their annual exams as a result of the economic downturn.
These tough economic times are especially difficult for women struggling to pay for basic health care. Family planning centers, like Planned Parenthood, serve as an entry point tens of thousands of Minnesota women. Guttmacher reports that six in 10 clients consider family planning centers their main source of health care. Oftentimes, it is their first interaction with the country’s health care system.
FOR INCLUSION OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN NATIONAL REFORM EFFORTS
Report Highlights Roadblocks for Women in Current Health Care System
St. Paul — Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota (PPMNS) applauds the Department of Health and Human Services for a new report, released during National Women’s Health Week, placing a spotlight on the impact that the nation’s health care crisis is having on women, particularly women of childbearing age. The report, titled "Roadblocks to Health Care: Why the Current Health Care System Does Not Work for Women" states that "women are more vulnerable to high health care costs.... (because) women’s reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly Pap test, mammograms, and obstetric care."
“The report from Secretary Sebelius underscores the real need to ensure that women have access to quality, affordable reproductive health care as part of any health reform effort,” said PPMNS President and CEO Sarah Stoesz.. “The findings of the report reaffirm what we see firsthand at Planned Parenthood health centers every day, when women turn to us for affordable, accessible, high-quality preventive care,” Stoesz said.
In Planned Parenthood clinics across Minnesota, PPMNS has seen a surge in the number of women who have lost their jobs and insurance coverage, are worried about job loss or are returning to us for care during these tough economic times. In the past year, PPMNS has seen a 54% increase in demand for long term contraception. “Women can do the math. They know if they are about to lose their insurance, if their hours are being cut back, that reliable long term contraception makes fiscal sense,” said Stoesz.
As the HHS report states, women are more vulnerable to high health care costs because women’s reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly Pap test, mammograms, and obstetric care. Planned Parenthood health centers across Minnesota are seeing an increase in patients who have lost their jobs, health insurance or who no longer have the money to pay for lifesaving medical care. Some women are deferring annual exams including preventive cancer screenings and buying fewer cycles of contraception.
According to the Women's Research and Education Institute, women of childbearing age spend 68 percent more in out-of-pocket health care costs than men, in part because of reproductive health-related supplies and services. A recent survey conducted for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that women are delaying their annual exams as a result of the economic downturn.
These tough economic times are especially difficult for women struggling to pay for basic health care. Family planning centers, like Planned Parenthood, serve as an entry point tens of thousands of Minnesota women. Guttmacher reports that six in 10 clients consider family planning centers their main source of health care. Oftentimes, it is their first interaction with the country’s health care system.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Proposed Abstinence Funding Cuts
From KDLT News:
Nearly half of the nation's high school students admit to being sexually active. State abstinence programs are on a mission to reduce those numbers. But now, in President Obama's proposed budget for next year, he wants to cut abstinence education programs across the nation, including here in South Dakota.
President Barack Obama wants to cut more than 100-million dollars in abstinence education and 38-million in community based abstinence education programs in every state. A move that doesn't sit will with many conservatives who plan to up the ante.
Rachel Greiner, Truth 4 Youth says, "We're going to keep doing what we're doing. We're going to keep touching lives everyday and we're going to keep encouraging those boys and girls who already choose to lead a health lifestyle and have sexual integrity."
Truth 4 Youth in Sioux Falls is one of the programs that would be affected.
Officials say teens in South Dakota are getting their message. Rachel says, "One boy told us he learned more about sex from us in three days than four years of sexual education."
Nonetheless, the president wants to re-direct the money to programs that don't take the no-sex approach like Planned Parenthood. The organization says the government wouldn't be wasting taxpayer money on programs that don't work.
Shannon Stevens, Planned Parenthood says, "They are failing our youth and doing nothing to prevent unintended pregnancy in our country or teach sexual wellness to our youth."
Read More
Nearly half of the nation's high school students admit to being sexually active. State abstinence programs are on a mission to reduce those numbers. But now, in President Obama's proposed budget for next year, he wants to cut abstinence education programs across the nation, including here in South Dakota.
President Barack Obama wants to cut more than 100-million dollars in abstinence education and 38-million in community based abstinence education programs in every state. A move that doesn't sit will with many conservatives who plan to up the ante.
Rachel Greiner, Truth 4 Youth says, "We're going to keep doing what we're doing. We're going to keep touching lives everyday and we're going to keep encouraging those boys and girls who already choose to lead a health lifestyle and have sexual integrity."
Truth 4 Youth in Sioux Falls is one of the programs that would be affected.
Officials say teens in South Dakota are getting their message. Rachel says, "One boy told us he learned more about sex from us in three days than four years of sexual education."
Nonetheless, the president wants to re-direct the money to programs that don't take the no-sex approach like Planned Parenthood. The organization says the government wouldn't be wasting taxpayer money on programs that don't work.
Shannon Stevens, Planned Parenthood says, "They are failing our youth and doing nothing to prevent unintended pregnancy in our country or teach sexual wellness to our youth."
Read More
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
In the News
From the Rapid City Journal:
FDA to allow Plan B Birth Control for 17 year olds
Failed Personhood Movement May be SD Bound
http://dakotawomen.blogspot.com/2009/04/failed-personhood-movement-may-be-sd.html
FDA to allow Plan B Birth Control for 17 year olds
WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration says it will allow 17-year-olds to get the 'morning-after' birth control pill without a doctor's prescription.The FDA said Wednesday it will not appeal a federal judge's order overturning restrictions that were imposed during the Bush administration. Read more
From Dakota Women:Failed Personhood Movement May be SD Bound
Just got an email from the South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families:
Now, abortion ban proponents have launched a website to raise money and recruit volunteers to circulate petitions for a personhood amendment in South Dakota. Personhood amendments are even more rigid and restrictive than either of the abortion ban proposals in 2006 and 2008.
The alert points to this not so impressive website which seems to be associated with the national organization Personhood USA and the domain is registered to Keith Mason, Personhood USA, Arvada, Colorado. No sign if anyone from South Dakota is actually involved. Read more
http://dakotawomen.blogspot.com/2009/04/failed-personhood-movement-may-be-sd.html
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
New St. Louis archbishop has South Dakota ties
Robert Carlson once served in Sioux Falls and became known for his public battles with former Sen. Tom Daschle.
ST. LOUIS -- Pope Benedict XVI has filled the vacant post of St. Louis archbishop with the promotion of the bishop of Saginaw, Mich., Robert Carlson.
Carlson, named early Tuesday in Rome as St. Louis' ninth archbishop, will be introduced to the Archdiocese of St. Louis at a 10:30 a.m. news conference. It's not clear when he will be installed. Until that time, he will continue to be the diocesan administrator in Saginaw.
Carlson, 64, was described by Bishop Robert J. Hermann, archdiocesan administrator for St. Louis, as "a very energetic, articulate, warm and gifted pastor and administrator."
St. Louis has been without an archbishop since June 27 when Archbishop Raymond Burke was named to head the Vatican supreme court. The archdiocese is considered a Roman Catholic stronghold.
Carlson, a native of Minneapolis, was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, where he became auxiliary bishop in 1984. He went on to serve as bishop of Sioux Falls, S.D., and later, the Diocese of Saginaw.
Read more
ST. LOUIS -- Pope Benedict XVI has filled the vacant post of St. Louis archbishop with the promotion of the bishop of Saginaw, Mich., Robert Carlson.
Carlson, named early Tuesday in Rome as St. Louis' ninth archbishop, will be introduced to the Archdiocese of St. Louis at a 10:30 a.m. news conference. It's not clear when he will be installed. Until that time, he will continue to be the diocesan administrator in Saginaw.
Carlson, 64, was described by Bishop Robert J. Hermann, archdiocesan administrator for St. Louis, as "a very energetic, articulate, warm and gifted pastor and administrator."
St. Louis has been without an archbishop since June 27 when Archbishop Raymond Burke was named to head the Vatican supreme court. The archdiocese is considered a Roman Catholic stronghold.
Carlson, a native of Minneapolis, was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, where he became auxiliary bishop in 1984. He went on to serve as bishop of Sioux Falls, S.D., and later, the Diocese of Saginaw.
Read more
Friday, April 17, 2009
In the News
I am so privileged to occasionally work with an extraordinary group of young women and men at SDSU in Brookings. The Campus Women's Coalition has been doing some amazing stuff on campus. Thought I'd share their latest venture with you.
THE F WORD
Condom War: Battle of the Sexes
THE F WORD
Condom War: Battle of the Sexes
Thursday, April 16, 2009
In The News
Interesting debate out of Philadelphia this morning:
RAPID CITY JOURNAL
US appeals court weighs "Choose Life" car plates
PHILADELPHIA -- State motor vehicle agencies across the country are raising money by allowing drivers to buy specialty license plates that recognize everything from military units and colleges to sports teams and nonprofit groups.But the effort is causing some legal headaches as well. Anti-abortion groups in several states are suing to demand plates bearing the message: "Choose Life."
Read More
What do you think?
RAPID CITY JOURNAL
US appeals court weighs "Choose Life" car plates
PHILADELPHIA -- State motor vehicle agencies across the country are raising money by allowing drivers to buy specialty license plates that recognize everything from military units and colleges to sports teams and nonprofit groups.But the effort is causing some legal headaches as well. Anti-abortion groups in several states are suing to demand plates bearing the message: "Choose Life."
Read More
What do you think?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
In the News
Secret Donor's Fate Up to Judge
It appears we might soon have an answer to the question we've all been waiting for since the 2006 election.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - On May 4, Secretary of State Chris Nelson goes
back to court to ask a judge to make state Rep. Roger Hunt, R-Brandon, reveal
key details about Promising Future Inc., a corporation that gave $750,000 to
VoteYesforLife.com, a group campaigning to ban most abortions. Hunt has refused
to say who made the donation.
Read More
Archbishop inadvertently generates $14K in Planned Parenthood donations
Every year on Good Friday, my thoughts turn to my friends and co-workers in St. Paul. It's the day that protestors use to demonstrate outside of our clinic in St. Paul. And, every year, our amazing staff up there organizes a counter protest, complete with a "pledge a protester." Generally the weather is less than ideal. But this year, the sun was shining, it was dry and not below zero, and a record number of Planned Parenthood supporters and activists came out to show their support for the work we do for the women in Minnesota. Congratulations on a great counter protest!
ST. PAUL — In a culture war where negativity often rules, pro-choice advocates used a recent anti-abortion protest featuring Archbishop John Nienstedt as a way to raise funds for their efforts.
Every year on Good Friday, Pro-Life Action Ministries hosts a protest outside a Planned Parenthood clinic on Ford Parkway in St. Paul. This year, the leader of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis showed up- the first time someone of his stature participated, protesters said.
Planned Parenthood set up a “pledge a protester” system that allowed supporters to donate a set dollar amount for each anti-abortion protester that turned out. When the archbishop brought out additional anti-abortion activists–reports say several hundred–the level of donations for the Planned Parenthood clinic increased. The clinic raised $14,000 on Friday and received carloads of food donations for local food pantries.
Read More
It appears we might soon have an answer to the question we've all been waiting for since the 2006 election.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - On May 4, Secretary of State Chris Nelson goes
back to court to ask a judge to make state Rep. Roger Hunt, R-Brandon, reveal
key details about Promising Future Inc., a corporation that gave $750,000 to
VoteYesforLife.com, a group campaigning to ban most abortions. Hunt has refused
to say who made the donation.
Read More
Archbishop inadvertently generates $14K in Planned Parenthood donations
Every year on Good Friday, my thoughts turn to my friends and co-workers in St. Paul. It's the day that protestors use to demonstrate outside of our clinic in St. Paul. And, every year, our amazing staff up there organizes a counter protest, complete with a "pledge a protester." Generally the weather is less than ideal. But this year, the sun was shining, it was dry and not below zero, and a record number of Planned Parenthood supporters and activists came out to show their support for the work we do for the women in Minnesota. Congratulations on a great counter protest!
ST. PAUL — In a culture war where negativity often rules, pro-choice advocates used a recent anti-abortion protest featuring Archbishop John Nienstedt as a way to raise funds for their efforts.
Every year on Good Friday, Pro-Life Action Ministries hosts a protest outside a Planned Parenthood clinic on Ford Parkway in St. Paul. This year, the leader of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis showed up- the first time someone of his stature participated, protesters said.
Planned Parenthood set up a “pledge a protester” system that allowed supporters to donate a set dollar amount for each anti-abortion protester that turned out. When the archbishop brought out additional anti-abortion activists–reports say several hundred–the level of donations for the Planned Parenthood clinic increased. The clinic raised $14,000 on Friday and received carloads of food donations for local food pantries.
Read More
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
In the News
DAKOTA WOMEN BLOG Sarah Palin's Selective Reality
RAPID CITY JOURNAL The fives: Hanks vs. Redden, Thune vs. Herseth Sandlin and the abortion ban's impact on elections
Referral is a healthy part of the process
I am a firm believer that during elections (and after for that matter)
children of politicians are off limits. So, I'm not going to poke fun of
Bristol Palin, her ex-boyfriend or her mother. But, I think that this is a
reminder to parents and teens to talk to one another. By having those
conversations both parties will end up enlightened, empowered, and more than
likely find themselves in a closer more honest relationship. I truly think
Sarah Palin could learn a lot by having a good heart to heart with her
daughter.
RAPID CITY JOURNAL The fives: Hanks vs. Redden, Thune vs. Herseth Sandlin and the abortion ban's impact on elections
Referral is a healthy part of the process
Thursday, April 2, 2009
MTV UNWRAPS GYT: GET YOURSELF TESTED
The All-American Rejects, Santigold, Good Charlotte, Big Boi, Asher Roth, Keri Hilson, Perez Hilton, and N.E.R.D. Evangelize Youth STD Testing
National Campaign with the Kaiser Family Foundation, Planned Parenthood and Others includes On-Air Programming, Viral Online Media, SMS Testing Locator, and In-Clinic Outreach
One in Two Sexually-Active Americans Contracts an STD by Age 25
New York, NY, April 2, 2009 – MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation, working with Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and its nationwide network of health centers, and other partners nationwide, today officially unveiled GYT: “Get Yourself Tested,” a campaign to increase testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among those under 25 years old.
An extension of MTV and Kaiser’s Emmy and Peabody-winning “It’s Your (Sex) Life” partnership to promote responsible decision making about sex, GYT kicked off yesterday with a mix of guerilla promotions on-air, online and in the real world – which will continue unfolding throughout the month of April in recognition of National STD Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four teen girls in the U.S. have at least one common STD. Other estimates find that as many as one in two sexually-active young people will contract an STD by age 25 – and most won’t know it. In response to these facts, the GYT campaign informs young people about STDs and promotes testing and treatment as needed.
An all-star collective of pop culture personalities are carrying the GYT message far and wide, including Flo Rida, The All-American Rejects, Asher Roth, N.E.R.D., Santigold, Perez Hilton, Benji Madden and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte, Big Boi, Keri Hilson, Soulja Boy, Joanna Garcia, Kid Sister, Chester French and Joy Bryant. These and other stars are appearing in a series of attention-getting on-air and online promotions on MTV and other MTV Network properties this month; blasting out GYT on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms; wearing GYT on their chest and sleeves; and of course, going to get tested for STDs.
From OMG to LOL, acronyms saturate young people’s everyday vernacular, acting as common methods of communication. Playing off mobile and Web slang, GYT is an easy way for young people to talk about sexual health and getting tested for STDs. GYT will help young people internalize the risk of STDs, as individuals and as a generation, seeking to eliminate taboos and stigmas surrounding STDs and STD testing.
GYT will also be woven throughout MTV programming, making appearances in popular shows, music videos and more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided assistance to ensure scientific accuracy of GYT health information. Additional campaign elements include:
www.gyt09.org – The central hub of the campaign, gyt09.org is a comprehensive information resource that includes facts about STDs; talking tips on how to discuss STD testing with partners, parents, and health care providers; and a testing location finder that connects users to local testing resources by simply entering a zip code. A wide range of GYT-based content, including all of the participating artists and celebrities, are also showcased on the site.
GYT short code and MTV Movie Awards Sweepstakes – A mobile companion to gyt09.org, the GYT short code (49809) provides details about local testing locations to mobile phones by simply texting a zip code. Users of the service during the month of April will become eligible to win a trip for two to the 2009 MTV Movie Awards in LA. Users can also enter the sweepstakes online by using the testing location finder at GYT09.org.
GYT Facebook Application- A downloadable GYT Facebook photo tagging application that helps normalize STD testing by affixing the concept to young peoples’ everyday lives. The application is available for download on gyt09.org. Users are also encouraged to become GYT fans on Facebook.
Pedro – GYT kicked off last night during the world television premiere of Pedro, a movie based on the remarkable life of “The Real World’s” Pedro Zamora. Told through the eyes of his friends and family – and written by Dustin Lance Black, the Academy Award-winning writer of Milk – Pedro celebrates the extraordinary life a young man who found out he was HIV positive at 17, then made the courageous decision to dedicate his life to speaking out about and fighting the spread of the disease. Encore performances of Pedro on MTV are scheduled for April 2nd at 9am ET/PT and at 4pm ET/PT, April 3rd at 2pm ET/PT, and April 5th at 8am ET/PT on MTV and on-demand at www.pedro.mtv.com. Additionally, fans can get to know Pedro by viewing the full season of The Real World San Francisco online. An educational discussion guide created by Planned Parenthood for the movie is available online at www.gyt09.org and at www.plannedparenthood.org.
GYT in Second Life – Virtual GYT awareness bracelets and information will be available on CDC Island, the headquarters for the CDC in Second Life which acts as a venue for forums, meetings, and education on the mission of the CDC.
Music Video Premieres – Chester French and Asher Roth are MTV’s featured artists for April, and will help weave the GYT message throughout MTV programming all month long. Additionally, MTV Hits and Jams will feature GYT playlists throughout the month of April.
Community Outreach – Planned Parenthood is providing educational resources online and at its nationwide network of health centers. GYT promotional materials, including posters, buttons, stickers and compilation reels, are being distributed to Planned Parenthood’s more than 800 health centers across the country and other testing locations to provide community-level support for the campaign.
The New York City Department of Health, American Social Health Association and the National Coalition of STD Directors, among others, are also supporting the campaign’s community outreach efforts.
“The only way to know the status of your sexual health is to get tested. There’s no way around that fact,” said Stephen Friedman, General Manager of MTV. “This generation has the opportunity to redefine the conversation surrounding STDs and to break down stigmas. We hope this campaign will help arm our audience with the information and the ability to make GYT part of everyday life.”
"Despite being a very common health issue, many young people still don't get tested for STDs due to a lack of knowledge and stigma," said Tina Hoff, Vice President and Director, Entertainment Media Partnerships, Kaiser Family Foundation. "The GYT campaign is about making STD testing empowering, not shameful."
“Most people would be shocked to hear that by age 25 one in two sexually active young people will have an STD. This is not just a statistic but the reality of what Planned Parenthood health centers see every day,” said PPFA President Cecile Richards. “The GYT campaign is an excellent opportunity for people to learn what Planned Parenthood knows — that affordable testing and treatment, and education, are the tools teens and young people need to stay healthy and safe.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), of the approximately 19 million new STDs (also referred to as sexually transmitted infections or STIs) that occur every year in the U.S., about half are among those 15 – 24 years of age. Since STDs often have no symptoms, most of those who are infected don’t know it. Lack of information, misconceptions and social stigma keep many people from getting tested. Others may mistakenly believe they have been tested as part of general health care. Testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea, two of the most commonly reported STDs, is easier than ever before with many clinics now offering urine-based tests. Rapid HIV tests can provide results in as little as 20 minutes with a swab inside the mouth. Diagnosis and treatment of STDs is critical to safe guarding personal health, fostering sexual responsibility and addressing the wider STD epidemic.
Since 1997, the Kaiser Family Foundation and MTV have partnered on an extensive, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning public information campaign on HIV/AIDs, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and related sexual health issues. The partnership includes targeted public service advertisements (PSAs), entertainment and other special programming, news segments, and free resources, including an informational guide developed especially for the campaign, and an extensive website www.itsyoursexlife.com.
For more information on GYT, please visit www.GYT09.org.
About MTV
MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture. For over 26 years, MTV has evolved, challenged the norm, and detonated boundaries -- giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen. On-air, MTV has been the number one rated 24 hour ad-supported cable network P12-24 for 16 straight years. Online, MTV.com scored double-digit growth in 2007 and MTV launched 15 dynamic online communities and eight new virtual worlds. On the go, MTV Mobile is the #1 music brand in the wireless space – delivering 90% more streams than in 2006. And MTV’s successful sibling networks MTV2, mtvU and MTV Tr3s each deliver unprecedented customized content, super-serving music fans, college students and young American Latinos like no one else. MTV is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Wanna know more? Come on in… www.mtvpress.com.
About The Kaiser Family Foundation
The Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit private operating foundation, based in Menlo Park, California, dedicated to producing and communicating the best possible information, research and analysis on health issues.
About Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is the nation’s leading sexual and reproductive health care advocate and provider. Planned Parenthood affiliates operate nearly 880 health centers nationwide, providing high quality medical services and sexuality education for millions of women, men, and teenagers each year. We work with allies worldwide to ensure that all women and men have the right and the means to meet their sexual and reproductive health care needs. For more than 90 years, Planned Parenthood, a trusted health care provider, has done more than any other organization in the United States to improve women’s health and safety, prevent unintended pregnancies, and advance the right and ability of individuals and families to make informed and responsible choices.
National Campaign with the Kaiser Family Foundation, Planned Parenthood and Others includes On-Air Programming, Viral Online Media, SMS Testing Locator, and In-Clinic Outreach
One in Two Sexually-Active Americans Contracts an STD by Age 25
New York, NY, April 2, 2009 – MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation, working with Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and its nationwide network of health centers, and other partners nationwide, today officially unveiled GYT: “Get Yourself Tested,” a campaign to increase testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among those under 25 years old.
An extension of MTV and Kaiser’s Emmy and Peabody-winning “It’s Your (Sex) Life” partnership to promote responsible decision making about sex, GYT kicked off yesterday with a mix of guerilla promotions on-air, online and in the real world – which will continue unfolding throughout the month of April in recognition of National STD Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four teen girls in the U.S. have at least one common STD. Other estimates find that as many as one in two sexually-active young people will contract an STD by age 25 – and most won’t know it. In response to these facts, the GYT campaign informs young people about STDs and promotes testing and treatment as needed.
An all-star collective of pop culture personalities are carrying the GYT message far and wide, including Flo Rida, The All-American Rejects, Asher Roth, N.E.R.D., Santigold, Perez Hilton, Benji Madden and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte, Big Boi, Keri Hilson, Soulja Boy, Joanna Garcia, Kid Sister, Chester French and Joy Bryant. These and other stars are appearing in a series of attention-getting on-air and online promotions on MTV and other MTV Network properties this month; blasting out GYT on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms; wearing GYT on their chest and sleeves; and of course, going to get tested for STDs.
From OMG to LOL, acronyms saturate young people’s everyday vernacular, acting as common methods of communication. Playing off mobile and Web slang, GYT is an easy way for young people to talk about sexual health and getting tested for STDs. GYT will help young people internalize the risk of STDs, as individuals and as a generation, seeking to eliminate taboos and stigmas surrounding STDs and STD testing.
GYT will also be woven throughout MTV programming, making appearances in popular shows, music videos and more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided assistance to ensure scientific accuracy of GYT health information. Additional campaign elements include:
www.gyt09.org – The central hub of the campaign, gyt09.org is a comprehensive information resource that includes facts about STDs; talking tips on how to discuss STD testing with partners, parents, and health care providers; and a testing location finder that connects users to local testing resources by simply entering a zip code. A wide range of GYT-based content, including all of the participating artists and celebrities, are also showcased on the site.
GYT short code and MTV Movie Awards Sweepstakes – A mobile companion to gyt09.org, the GYT short code (49809) provides details about local testing locations to mobile phones by simply texting a zip code. Users of the service during the month of April will become eligible to win a trip for two to the 2009 MTV Movie Awards in LA. Users can also enter the sweepstakes online by using the testing location finder at GYT09.org.
GYT Facebook Application- A downloadable GYT Facebook photo tagging application that helps normalize STD testing by affixing the concept to young peoples’ everyday lives. The application is available for download on gyt09.org. Users are also encouraged to become GYT fans on Facebook.
Pedro – GYT kicked off last night during the world television premiere of Pedro, a movie based on the remarkable life of “The Real World’s” Pedro Zamora. Told through the eyes of his friends and family – and written by Dustin Lance Black, the Academy Award-winning writer of Milk – Pedro celebrates the extraordinary life a young man who found out he was HIV positive at 17, then made the courageous decision to dedicate his life to speaking out about and fighting the spread of the disease. Encore performances of Pedro on MTV are scheduled for April 2nd at 9am ET/PT and at 4pm ET/PT, April 3rd at 2pm ET/PT, and April 5th at 8am ET/PT on MTV and on-demand at www.pedro.mtv.com. Additionally, fans can get to know Pedro by viewing the full season of The Real World San Francisco online. An educational discussion guide created by Planned Parenthood for the movie is available online at www.gyt09.org and at www.plannedparenthood.org.
GYT in Second Life – Virtual GYT awareness bracelets and information will be available on CDC Island, the headquarters for the CDC in Second Life which acts as a venue for forums, meetings, and education on the mission of the CDC.
Music Video Premieres – Chester French and Asher Roth are MTV’s featured artists for April, and will help weave the GYT message throughout MTV programming all month long. Additionally, MTV Hits and Jams will feature GYT playlists throughout the month of April.
Community Outreach – Planned Parenthood is providing educational resources online and at its nationwide network of health centers. GYT promotional materials, including posters, buttons, stickers and compilation reels, are being distributed to Planned Parenthood’s more than 800 health centers across the country and other testing locations to provide community-level support for the campaign.
The New York City Department of Health, American Social Health Association and the National Coalition of STD Directors, among others, are also supporting the campaign’s community outreach efforts.
“The only way to know the status of your sexual health is to get tested. There’s no way around that fact,” said Stephen Friedman, General Manager of MTV. “This generation has the opportunity to redefine the conversation surrounding STDs and to break down stigmas. We hope this campaign will help arm our audience with the information and the ability to make GYT part of everyday life.”
"Despite being a very common health issue, many young people still don't get tested for STDs due to a lack of knowledge and stigma," said Tina Hoff, Vice President and Director, Entertainment Media Partnerships, Kaiser Family Foundation. "The GYT campaign is about making STD testing empowering, not shameful."
“Most people would be shocked to hear that by age 25 one in two sexually active young people will have an STD. This is not just a statistic but the reality of what Planned Parenthood health centers see every day,” said PPFA President Cecile Richards. “The GYT campaign is an excellent opportunity for people to learn what Planned Parenthood knows — that affordable testing and treatment, and education, are the tools teens and young people need to stay healthy and safe.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), of the approximately 19 million new STDs (also referred to as sexually transmitted infections or STIs) that occur every year in the U.S., about half are among those 15 – 24 years of age. Since STDs often have no symptoms, most of those who are infected don’t know it. Lack of information, misconceptions and social stigma keep many people from getting tested. Others may mistakenly believe they have been tested as part of general health care. Testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea, two of the most commonly reported STDs, is easier than ever before with many clinics now offering urine-based tests. Rapid HIV tests can provide results in as little as 20 minutes with a swab inside the mouth. Diagnosis and treatment of STDs is critical to safe guarding personal health, fostering sexual responsibility and addressing the wider STD epidemic.
Since 1997, the Kaiser Family Foundation and MTV have partnered on an extensive, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning public information campaign on HIV/AIDs, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and related sexual health issues. The partnership includes targeted public service advertisements (PSAs), entertainment and other special programming, news segments, and free resources, including an informational guide developed especially for the campaign, and an extensive website www.itsyoursexlife.com.
For more information on GYT, please visit www.GYT09.org.
About MTV
MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture. For over 26 years, MTV has evolved, challenged the norm, and detonated boundaries -- giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen. On-air, MTV has been the number one rated 24 hour ad-supported cable network P12-24 for 16 straight years. Online, MTV.com scored double-digit growth in 2007 and MTV launched 15 dynamic online communities and eight new virtual worlds. On the go, MTV Mobile is the #1 music brand in the wireless space – delivering 90% more streams than in 2006. And MTV’s successful sibling networks MTV2, mtvU and MTV Tr3s each deliver unprecedented customized content, super-serving music fans, college students and young American Latinos like no one else. MTV is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Wanna know more? Come on in… www.mtvpress.com.
About The Kaiser Family Foundation
The Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit private operating foundation, based in Menlo Park, California, dedicated to producing and communicating the best possible information, research and analysis on health issues.
About Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is the nation’s leading sexual and reproductive health care advocate and provider. Planned Parenthood affiliates operate nearly 880 health centers nationwide, providing high quality medical services and sexuality education for millions of women, men, and teenagers each year. We work with allies worldwide to ensure that all women and men have the right and the means to meet their sexual and reproductive health care needs. For more than 90 years, Planned Parenthood, a trusted health care provider, has done more than any other organization in the United States to improve women’s health and safety, prevent unintended pregnancies, and advance the right and ability of individuals and families to make informed and responsible choices.
Monday, March 30, 2009
In the News
RAPID CITY JOURNAL
Journal's abortion ban tale takes Best News Story
DAKOTA WOMEN BLOG
Science: 1, Wingnuts: O
Breaking News: Jury Rules Unanimously in Tiller's Favor
SD WATCH BLOG
How the Abortion bans were Beaten in SD
Journal's abortion ban tale takes Best News Story
DAKOTA WOMEN BLOG
Science: 1, Wingnuts: O
Breaking News: Jury Rules Unanimously in Tiller's Favor
SD WATCH BLOG
How the Abortion bans were Beaten in SD
Thursday, March 26, 2009
In the News
ABERDEEN AMERICAN NEWS
Support family planning
STAR TRIBUNE
Cottage Grove man pleads guilty to driving SUV into clinic
Support family planning
STAR TRIBUNE
Cottage Grove man pleads guilty to driving SUV into clinic
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
In the News
ARGUS LEADER
Letters: Common-sense Legislation
DAKOTA WOMEN BLOG
Nuggets, Tea and a Little Self Promotion
Letters: Common-sense Legislation
DAKOTA WOMEN BLOG
Nuggets, Tea and a Little Self Promotion
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
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