Heads-up about the 2008 Michigan Policy Summit!

Hi everyone--

Just wanted to let you know about an exciting progressive activist opportunity coming up in May--the 2008 Michigan Policy Summit!

Michigan Policy Summit 2008 is a project of the Michigan Prospect in conjunction with representatives from the environmental, civil rights, faith based, LGBT, education, labor, reproductive rights, student, disability, health care reform, and human service communities.

The event is taking place at the Lansing Center on Michigan Ave--Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan will have a table along with tons of other progressive organizations, and this year’s keynote speakers are Amy Goodman and Jim Hightower.

Registration fee is $30 for adults and $10 for students--if you are interested in the student fee, please contact PPAM Community Organizer Dessa Cosma at dessa.cosma@ppmchoice.org. Visit the Michigan Policy Summit WEBSITE for registration and more info!

Hope to see you all there! :)

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STUDY: 1 in 4 teen girls has an STD

Via CNN:

A new study from the CDC revealed that one in four teenage girls (more than 3 million teens) has a sexually transmitted disease. While shocking, this news certainly isn’t surprising given the state of the way we educate teens and young adults about sexual health in this country. To me, this study is only further proof that when young people are denied the proper education about their sexual health, disastrous consequences arise.

From the study:

"A virus that causes cervical cancer is by far the most common sexually transmitted infection in teen girls aged 14 to 19, while the highest overall prevalence is among black girls -- nearly half the blacks studied had at least one STD. That rate compared with 20 percent among both whites and Mexican-American teens, the study from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found.

The study by CDC researcher Dr. Sara Forhan is an analysis of nationally representative data on 838 girls who participated in a 2003-04 government health survey. Teens were tested for four infections: human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can cause cervical cancer and affected 18 percent of girls studied; chlamydia, which affected 4 percent; trichomoniasis, 2.5 percent; and herpes simplex virus, 2 percent."

Not only are the rates alarming especially concerning HPV, which can develop into cancer if left undiagnosed and/or untreated, but the fact that teens lack proper dialogue and information about the transmission and seriousness of STDs is also cause for concern (emphasis mine):

"About half of the girls acknowledged having sex; among them, the rate was 40 percent. While some teens define sex as only intercourse, other types of intimate behavior including oral sex can spread some infections.

Douglas said screening tests are underused in part because many teens don’t think they’re at risk, but also, some doctors mistakenly think, ’"Sexually transmitted diseases don’t happen to the kinds of patients I see."’

Blythe said some doctors also are reluctant to discuss STDs with teen patients or offer screening because of confidentiality concerns, knowing parents would have to be told of the results."

These rates, and the fact that these rates are highest among young women of color reflect disproportionate access to education and services, only shows that more needs to be done to educate our youth. Abstinence-only sex education programs and doctors squeamish about the idea of sexually active teen patients are doing nothing but a disservice to young teens whose health is being compromised from this lack of information. 

Indeed, in a press release from Cecil Richards (President of Planned Parenthood), she reaffirms these ideals (emphasis mine):

"All too often in our society, teens are bombarded with conflicting messages about sex. They are looking to us for honest and accurate information so they can make responsible decisions.  As the mother of two teenagers, I know it can be difficult to talk with your kids about sex. We need education programs in our schools that will keep teens healthy — by including information about abstinence as well as contraception, healthy communication, responsible decision making, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections."

***WHAT YOU CAN DO***
SUPPORT THE RESPONSIBLE EDUCATION ABOUT LIFE (REAL) ACT!
More than $1.5 billion has been spent on ineffective abstinence-only sex education programs!  The REAL Act will provide funds for medically accurate, age-appropriate sex education in schools.  Let your member of Congress know that it’s time to ditch these backwards, dangerous programs in lieu of real education to improve the health and lives of America’s teenagers!

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SAVE BIRTH CONTROL!

Hello everyone--

After a hiatus for spring break, the blog is back up!

Most importantly, a from PPFA about the soaring birth control costs that many of you are undoubtedly struggling with right now:

Because of a technical error Congress made in 2005, the cost of birth control in many clinics is rising almost 900% from what it was just months ago. Women who were paying $5 to $10 per month are now paying $40 to $50 for birth control. For the college students and low-income women affected by this cost hike, that's no small matter.

Congress has had more than enough time to fix the mistake—needlessly jeopardizing women's health. We support the Prevention Through Affordable Access Act, introduced by Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY) in the House and by Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) and Sen.Claire McCaskill (D-MO) in the Senate to bring down birth control costs at college clinics and safety-net providers by reinstating their ability to purchase low-cost birth control.

LET'S GET INVOLVED!

**Call Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (202-224-5556) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (202-225-0100), or YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS, and tell them to restore affordable birth control this year by passing the Prevention Through Affordable Access Act.

**Read up on media coverage of birth control costs HERE!

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Post-VOX Conference Updates!
Current mood: inspired
Category: Blogging

Hello everyone--

For those of you that didn't know, Planned Parenthood's VOX student activist group conference was held this past Saturday in Ann Arbor and hosted pro-choice college student organizations from across the State of Michigan. I was honored to be a part of such a great group of bright, passionate individuals coming together for choice and promoting activism on campus!

Speakers included John Keserich from Planned Parenthood Mid-Southern Michigan with information about facts and tips for talking about abortion and pro-choice issues, Brandon White from MI voice with a presentation about coalition-building with other student groups on campus, Barb Fuller from MI List about the pressing need for more pro-choice Democratic women candidates in Michigan, and Joy Whitten from The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice with facts and strategies about positive intersection of choice and faith. These lectures not only helped give a more comprehensive picture of what choice encompasses and how it is often generalized or misunderstood, but also the need to become a stronger advocate in a state and more largely, a country, that is increasingly chipping away at women's fundamental right to make their own decisions regarding reproductive health!

It was very helpful to hear about projects and events that other student pro-choice groups were working on. Some of them include (but are not limited to!):

-Petitions to make emergency contraception available at campus health centers
-Panel discussions with sex-related questions and answers
-Voter guides highlighting pro-choice candidates
-Screenings of movies related to choice, sometimes followed by discussion
-Benefit concerts with local bands
-Clinic escort volunteer programs
-On-campus anti-choice vs. pro-choice debates
-Condom giveaways

Overall the conference was a great networking tool--if any readers are community activists or members of pro-choice groups on their college campuses, these are just a few great ideas you can use to help publicly advocate for choice!

A few links: We watched a very moving short film about the history of choice in the United States that chronicled everything from the devastation of illegal abortions and the fight for legalization, to pro-life extremism and the continuing erosion of choice in America today. In the same vein was a great article linked from the blog feministe.us about Canadian doctor Garson Romalo's experience as an abortion provider--I encourage you to READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE HERE. It is very moving and inspiring to hear the struggle that providers go through just for allowing women access to a safe, healthy, and legal abortion.

Also is another article taken from Michigan State University's student newspaper The State News: the piece chronicles abortion as an issue of importance in upcoming election and highlights anti-choice bills moving through the Michigan legislature to further curtail women's reproductive choice. THE STATE NEWS ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND HERE, so check up on it for an update on the assault on choice happening in our own state!

--Laura

Currently listening : Vampire Weekend By Vampire Weekend Release date: 29 January, 2008

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UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT!
Current mood: happy

Hello everyone--

My name is Laura, and I am the new intern at Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan! During my time here, I will be maintaining the PPAM myspace and regularly updating this blog to bring you news about important pro-choice issues.

To start, I'll give you a little background on myself: I am a junior at Michigan State University majoring in English literature with cognates in History and Women's Studies and a WGSJ (Women, Gender, and Social Justice) specialization in Analysis of Gender, History, and Narrative. (Whew, that's a mouthful!) I am a passionate feminist and pro-choice activist, and I am also a free thinker, free spirit, optimist, internet nerd, and a bit of a sardonic goofball.

This blog will be my main communication tool to update you on news and events regarding women's reproductive health and pro-choice issues going on in Michigan and the rest of the US. Topics include but are not limited to:

*Statuses of anti-choice legislation in Michigan and other states, how you can get involved to help discourage its passage, and its impact on reproductive health

*Pro-choice events in your area and how you can become an activist for women's right to choose

*Information about pro-choice issues in the 2008 Presidential election, candidate positions and voting records, and the importance of voting for choice

I encourage you to subscribe to this blog so you don't miss any updates! I am looking forward to providing you with important news as well as my personal commentary about the state of choice in our nation and how we can be advocates for change!

--Laura

Currently listening : The Reminder By Feist Release date: 01 May, 2007

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Does banning abortion work?

It seems as though people think that if abortion is banned or outlawed it will solve whatever it is they think needs solving.  It just doesn't work.  Women will die.  There was an article in Time last week about this very subject.  If abortions are banned more women will die because they don't have access to clean, safe medical procedures. 
Note an article in the Lansing State Journal:

In Nicaragua, doctors say no-exceptions abortion ban causing deaths

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007711050356

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How You Can Help
Current mood: determined

Reproductive rights are in jeopardy.  We need to take action now to secure  what we have achieved.  Check out some ways that you can help.
Volunteer with Planned Parenthood.
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Michigan works to raise awareness in Michigan's government and communities about the importance of women's health, as well as reproductive and sexual health. 

There are many great ways to help the cause:
Outreach: 
Planned Parenthood Young Leaders- created to engage pro-choice supporters who do not have time to volunteer.  PPYL groups hold local events to provide networking opportunities for those who are old enough to vote, but not old enough to retire.
House Parties & Pub Crawls: Great discussion, great food, and great fun!  Use our house party kit to host a dinner party at your home or other space.  Invite your friends and have a great time talking about reproductive rights and what can be done to help!  Or, go out to bars/pubs/clubs wearing a Planned Parenthood t-shirt and help spread the word about public health and safety.
Lobby Team: Members of our Lobby Team help communicate with elected officials about issues that are important to Planned Parenthood.  We need supporters to be vocal in their city halls, Lansing, and even Washington, DC!
Visbility: Visibility events are always a volunteer favorite!  We provide the signs; you attend a rally, stand outside important meetings/hearings, or hold a roadside protest to tell motorists to support reproductive rights!

These are only a few of the ways that people choose to show their support.  If you have a special skill that you would like to contribute, please let us know! 

For more information on how you can help, email Dessa at dessa.cosma@ppfa.org or Katey at kate.aquilina@ppfa.org. 

5:21 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Michigan Policy Summit
Category: News and Politics

"The State of Michigan is experiencing a unique political moment. With unprecedented challenges to the economy, a changing population, and a burgeoning progressive movement in the state, the time is ripe for progressive change. Powerful and forward thinking activity is taking place across the state, in the form of public education, community organizing, providing of services, voter education, access and empowerment, policy research and policy advocacy. Unfortunately, much of this activity takes place in isolation from potential allies, and outside of a collective movement building effort.

It is in this context that the Michigan Prospect, in conjunction with representatives from the environmental, civil rights, faith based, GLBT, education, labor, reproductive rights, student, disability, health care reform, and human services communities will host the first annual Michigan Policy Summit on September 8, 2007 in Lansing, Michigan to focus on building a common progressive policy agenda for Michigan."

Again, that's September 8th from 8am to 5pm at the Lansing Center in Lansing. You can register at www.michiganpolicysummit.org.

3:43 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Article from Bitch Magazine's Risk Issue (No. 36)
Current mood: curious
Category: News and Politics

A few days ago I purchased my first ever Bitch Magazine. It was pretty enlightening and in this issue under the Love It Shove It section there is an article by Juliet Eastland entitled "Science vs. Spin: The state-by-state PR campaign against choice". I was intrigued and I thought you might be as well so I've decided to type up a small part of it and post it here.

Newspaper articles of interest.
Current mood: contemplative
Category: News and Politics

As part of my job here at PPAM I get to follow up on articles related to women's health and choice. A link to one of the articles I read is posted below.

http://forums.freep.com/viewtopic.php?t=34683&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

Please share your thoughts here.

My thoughts are as follows.

"Clinic violence is domestic terrorism."

Would the fact that it was an abortion clinic had made any difference in the way it effects women's health and lives? No. A measly five years sentence for such intent is sickening. This clinic was doing a service to the community. By providing such service it's saving people and the state money. But does that make a difference to the person who decided to burn it down? No. I'm sad that five years was all that was given to a man who has such little respect for the health and welfare of women.

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