A recent letter stated President Obama provided false information on Planned Parenthood in regards to mammograms. It quoted him as saying "There are millions of women all across the country, who rely on Planned Parenthood for, not just contraceptive care, they rely on it for mammograms..." You then mentioned, "One of the biggest myths perpetuated by the left and Planned Parenthood (PP) is that the abortion giant provides mammograms."
That is partially correct. President Obama stated his information correctly. Planned Parenthood does not "provide" mammograms, but it does provide referrals. It helps low-income patients find grants and assistance to pay for mammograms, such as through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which is for women at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level. In addition, "Cancer screening and prevention services - which would include breast exams - made up 14.5 percent of all medical services. Abortion made up 3 percent..."
The writer is correct right in that Planned Parenthood does not physically perform mammograms; however, it does help those who have a physical or financial need to obtain those services elsewhere. Women do indeed rely on the organization for more services than contraception and abortion.
Sandra Grafius
South Williamsport
Submitted by Virtual Newsroom
