Planned Parenthood Staff Fights Sex Crimes the Wrong Way

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In January 2011 private sting operations were performed at twelve Planned Parenthood clinics in six states and secret videos were made. In one of them, Kimberley (a PP health technician), explains how to get birth control and abortions for underage sex workers. 

 

The videos were released in February by an anti-abortion group called Live Action. A man posing as a pimp asked about STD testing and once they got into a private room, he began asking questions – in confidence – about getting help for ‘his girls.’ 

 

Planned Parenthood staff are all too aware of the anti-abortion movement that constantly peppers the organization with whatever stings it can find on a daily basis. Kimberley said she was suspicious of who they were, but answered all their questions fully before calling the FBI upon the actors’ departure. 

 

Jobs Were Lost Over This 

She, along with technicians at the other clinics visited, was trying to do what she thought was right. But, when Planned Parenthood’s bigwigs saw the videos they immediately fired one New Jersey clinic manager, Amy Woodruff, for her seeming cooperation with the actors. 

 

Even if Woodruff’s intent was to trick them into giving information by being cooperative, her response to the actors went against everything Planned Parenthood stands for and it was shown to the public. 

 

Anyone watching those videos would believe Planned Parenthood is a help to sex trafficking schemes and not agents who work daily to protect people from STDs, unwanted pregnancy, birth control and sexual abuse. Now states are voting not to fund Planned Parenthood in eight states, so far, using these videos as part of their artillery.

 

 

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Birth Control Methods for Men

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When the topic of birth control comes up, most people think of the methods available to women. If the topic of discussion turns to men and birth control, almost everyone thinks of condoms. However, men can be more involved in birth control measures and take steps to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

Some methods available to men are:

Condoms: These have long been the most popular means of birth control for men. Some couples use them even if the woman is using some other form of birth control to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy.

Withdrawal: While not the safest method for preventing pregnancy, coupled with the rhythm method, that is, timing ovulation, this does offer a measure of protection.

Outercourse: This refers to sex play without any form of penetration.

Vasectomy: This is a more permanent method where the tubes, the vas deferens, that carry sperm outside the body are closed off surgically by cutting and cauterizing.

For some couples, depending on various factors abstinence is a sure and safe method of birth contro for both sexesl.

Research is ongoing to find other means of birth control for men. A few of these are already in development and test trials are been conducted. Some of these methods may over time become standard, such as the male birth control pill.

Preventing pregnancy is important for many reasons. Teenagers generally are not ready financially or emotionally to become parents. Married couples may not be ready to start a family or may not be ready for more. Many people are not financially capable of taking care of a child or an additional child. For these and other reasons birth control is a necessity.

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Revisiting the Issue of Abortion

 

 

WASHINGTON - APRIL 07: Albert Stecklein III, a... 


Organizations like Planned Parenthood have come under fire as being pro-abortion corporations. Indeed, many have balked at the fact that teenagers often do not even need a parents signature in order to get an abortion. Behind the rhetoric however is a real problem. Children very early on in teenage years are getting pregnant and then need to decide if they will become moms or terminate the pregnancy. Those looking to terminate the pregnancy will usually end up in small clinic for a day procedure. Here are a couple points in favor of keeping things the way they are and keeping abortion legal.

1.) Outlawing abortions could take the practice underground- No one like the idea of an abortion. Not the public as a whole and not the young women in stirrups about to get an abortion. But the fact remains there are a number of unwanted pregancies each year that require a solution. Closing abortion clinics would no doubt force the practice underground and increase the liklihood of things going wrong and the mom being hurt.

2.) A mother’s right to choose- The fact remains that there are many women who get pregnant and did not plan on those circumstances. It is a woman’s right to choose and control what happens to her body as well as to choose if she will be forced to raise a child when she knows she may not be competent and ready for the task. As individuals, it is important we be allowed freedoms over our body and not have decisions of this magnitude made without our input.

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The Pill as Birth Control

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There are many options for preventing the occurrence of pregnancy or what is more commonly known as birth control. A woman who engages in sexual relations and wants to use birth control should speak with her doctor to determine which method best suits her individual needs. She may be only interested in preventing pregnancy or may be additionally concerned about preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Some methods protect only against getting pregnant while others also perform the function of preventing sexually transmitted infections from being spread.

One method of birth control is to use hormones that prevent the release of en egg from the ovaries into the uterus. The hormones estrogen and progestin are used in this method and are released into the body by means of the birth control pill, the vaginal ring, a patch, hormone shots or with an IUD or intrauterine device. Any of these methods that use hormones require a doctor’s prescription.

One method that uses hormones is the birth control pill, known as an oral contraceptive because it is taken by the mouth. It needs to be taken every day in order for it to be effective. It typically helps to regulate the menstrual cycle of woman to having one period every four weeks.

Like most medications taken, the pill does tend to have some side effects. These may include headaches, nausea, an increase in blood pressure, tenderness of the breasts, weight gain, bloating and depression. Some women will experience no side effects at all. Different types of birth control pills may need to be taken in order to find the one that is the most effective with the least number of side effects. This is because each type of birth control pill contains different combinations of hormones. Other results from taking the pill include a reduction in cramping during the menstrual cycle as well as a shorter cycle with less bleeding. Smoking should be stopped while taking the pill as it can increase the risk of blood clots and more serious side effects.

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Birth Control Options-IUDs

Many women who engage in sexual relations want to use birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Typically a doctor’s prescription is required for most methods of birth control used by women. These methods can not only prevent pregnancy but can also prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

One option for birth control is to use an IUD or intrauterine device. A doctor places this small device in the shape of a T inside a women’s uterus. There are two types of intrauterine devices, one of which has copper in it and the other has a small amount of progestin which gets released on a regular basis. The copper IUD has been in existence longer than the one with progestin and is effective for up to 12 years. Similar in shape and size to the copper IUD, the IUD with progestin has fewer side effects and is considered to be safer. It is effective for five years.

An IUD is typically inserted by a doctor within one week after the start of the menstrual cycle. Once the vagina and cervix are cleaned, a plastic tube that holds the device is pushed into the uterus by the doctor. The tube is then removed and the doctor checks to insure that the IUD is positioned correctly. There are strings on the IUD which the doctor cuts to the right length and which have to be checked on a monthly basis to make sure the IUD is in the proper place as sometimes the uterus will eject the IUD.

When first offered on the market to women, IUDs were believed to have serious health risks. Currently, some risks remain and IUDs are considered safer than they used to be. Cramping and pain when the IUD is first put into place are some of the side effects as well as spot bleeding during the first three to six months of use of the IUD. Heavier bleeding and stronger cramps are more typical of the copper IUD while irregular periods during the first three to six months of using the hormonal IUD may occur.

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Birth Control Options Using Hormones

Birth control is used primarily to prevent pregnancy but can also be an effective means to prevent the spreading of sexually transmitted infections. A doctor’s prescription is needed for those women who want to use hormones as a means of birth control. There are many types of birth control that use hormones, in addition to the pill, and it is important to find which method is the best one in any given situation.

One method of using hormones for birth control is to use a patch. It is typically small, thin and flexible and is placed on the buttocks, stomach, chest or most commonly on the upper arm. The patch is worn for one week and then replaced with another over a period of three weeks. On the fourth week, the patch is not worn and a woman will get her period.

The side effects of wearing the patch include nausea, headaches, an increase in blood pressure, gaining of some weight and bloating. During the first two months a woman may experience tenderness in the breasts or overall breast discomfort. The skin around the patch can also show signs of irritation. The risks of side effects which are more serious such as blood clots can occur if women smoke while wearing the patch.

Another method of using hormones for birth control is to get a shot in the arm. This procedure is performed by a doctor once every three months. The side effects of this method are minimal and may include headaches and changes in the menstrual cycle, one’s weight and one’s moods.

A hormone implant can also be used and it is a piece of plastic that is thin and flexible and the size of a matchstick. It is placed under the skin of the upper arm by a doctor. One advantage of the implant is that it can prevent pregnancy for up to three years. Irregular bleeding or spotting or periods that have lighter or heavier flows of blood are typical side effects of the implant.

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Using the Withdrawal Method as Birth Control

Birth control preferences vary from person-to-person and is simply a matter of finding the method that is compatible with their lifestyle and choices. Realizing that there are risks associated with any form of birth control, whichever method is used must be able to give the individual or the couple the results they’re looking for.

Since the goal of birth control methods is to prevent pregnancy, it’s important to look closely at the risks involved. The Withdrawal Method is a widely used form of birth control that many couples use to avoid pregnancy. Although the method is common, the pregnancy risks are very high and the method often fails.

During sex and in using the Withdrawal Method, the man removes his penis from the woman’s vagina before ejaculation so as to avoid the sperm uniting with the woman’s egg, which can cause pregnancy if the two join. However, during sex, small amounts of sperm can (and does) leak from the man’s penis and through the semen, travels into the woman’s vagina without detection from either person. By withdrawing before ejaculating, the couple may think that the sperm does not have the chance to reach the woman’s reproductive organs, but it does.

Studies on the male’s reproductive system show that in a normal male’s ejaculation, there are generally about 300-500 million sperm contained in the 1 teaspoon of fluid that they emit. That means that there are over 300-500 million chances in 1 that a pregnancy is likely to occur by using this method. This doesn’t mean that a pregnancy will or won’t occur, just that it’s likely.

By contrast, there are couples who have and continue to use this method as their main means of birth control, although the risks are great. While it is a personal choice, being informed about the risks are necessary in order to make an intelligent decision.

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Is the Birth Control Shot Really Effective?

The birth control shot became so popular because it is easy, fast and convenient and the woman only has to get the shot anywhere from 2-4 times per year, making it a very popular method.

Progesterone, the hormone in the birth control shot, works by preventing the egg’s release during the woman’s monthly menstrual cycle. Since a woman gets pregnant if she ovulates, without having this process, the chances of pregnancy are significantly reduced.

Birth control studies have shown that out of every 100 individuals who use this method, only 3 experiences an accidental pregnancy. So while the method is not 100% fool-proof, the averages are extremely high enough to encourage women to use the shot as their main means of birth control.

The shot is administered every three months through an injection into the buttocks. It stays in the person’s system for three months, and after that time, they need to have the shot administered again. It’s very important to get the shots as necessary to reduce any chances of pregnancy because the likelihood does increase if the person waits longer than the 3-month time period to get their injection.

Women who are interested in receiving the birth control injection should consult with their doctor to ensure that the shots won’t interfere with other medications they’re taking. They should also talk with their doctor about any associated risks or side effects (though minimal) that can occur with the injections as well. Some risks that may occur include weight gain, spotting, hormonal imbalance and of course accidental pregnancies.

For many women, the convenience of the birth control injection far outweighs the possible risks and offers them a lifestyle that is very flexible, especially for the busy woman. With a shot that is administered every quarter, they love the idea that they don’t have to think about birth control outside of 4 times a year.

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The World’s Most Popular Birth Control Methods

Since the development of the birth control pill in the early 1960s, it has become the most popular reversible method of contraception in the United States. In the US, more women opt for the pill or permanent sterilization (tubal ligation) than any other methods.

Around the world, however, it is slightly less popular. The most popular method worldwide is the intra-uterine device, or IUD. IUDs are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus. They remain in place for years, and are the most effective method of birth control outside of abstinence or permanent sterilization.

In many European and Asian countries, the IUD is the most popular method of birth control with pills as the second most popular. Yet in the United States, it is one of the least popular methods, well behind pills, surgical sterilization, hormone implants and barrier methods.

One reason for this might be that there are only two IUDs available for use in the US. There are over 10 models available in Europe. Also, the approval process for contraceptive devices is much slower in the US than for most other developed countries.

Although it is not popular in the United States, IUD use is increasing. This could be because the latest device to be approved has the added benefit of lightening menstrual cycles. Also, the IUD was once only recommended for use by women who have already had children. This restriction seems to be lifting, and doctors are beginning to offer it as treatment for heavy periods.

The other IUD is copper-based rather than hormone-based. While it does not have the effect of lighter and shorter periods, it is hormone-free. As women become more aware of the effects of long-term hormone exposure, the copper IUD may become a more popular option as well. It can also be an acceptable method for women whose health history indicates that they should not use hormonal methods of birth control.

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Online Information Resources for Teenagers

In years past, when a teenager challenged her parents about some information on a subject, such as teenage sexuality or teenage pregnancy, it was hard for parents to instantly provide a solid argument.  Unless they had anticipated the challenge and had gone through every available book on the subject, they couldn’t rightly say, “Here, read it for yourself.” This is no longer true, thanks to the Internet; however, parents still have to be careful of the sources they use. That’s why it is so important to use information that is from legitimate, well-known sources.

Search engine sites such as Canada 411 can help you find information resources, both online and “hard copy.” You can use these resources to help you find the information you need.

When researching information, you may come across a source that takes a stand on a subject that is different stand from your own. However, if the information you were looking for is there, and is presented in a fairly unbiased, neutral light, you may want to go ahead and use the source anyway. You can always save the discussion of your exact opinion for another time.

Unfortunately, as they get older, teenagers just don’t respond to the old, “Because I said so, that’s why” rejoinder that parents fell back on for generations. They’re too smart, plus they know where to go to find the information. If you will just be patient and use all the information resources that are available, both online and elsewhere, you should be able to compile enough information to prove your point to your teenager.

If they continue to argue after that, they may simple be “pushing your buttons.” It may be wise to then table the discussion until another time. Remember, however, that it is still your house, and you can expect them to abide by your rules for the present.

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