By Yesenia Reynoso
Wisconsin is 631 miles away from New York, but its issues hit close to home, especially
the de-funding of Planned Parenthood.
Though Planned Parenthood has not been defunded in the state of NY, other states, like
Wisconsin, actually have stopped funding the organization. So, the question then becomes what
if what happens in Wisconsin happens here?
“Plattsburgh is a college town,” said Ashlee Moschitta, a student at SUNY Plattsburgh.
“A lot of college students use Planned Parenthood services.”
SUNY Plattsburgh has an enrollment of 6,057 students, many which fall between the
ages of 18-24. “If Planned Parenthood was defunded in NY State, then college students who
aren’t properly educated or careful with their sexual lives might lose valuable resources,” said
Joyce’Alyn Payne.
According to the Center for Disease Control, “people ages 15-24 account for half of new
sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, one in four sexually active adolescent females have an
STD.” “With numbers that staggering, it’s hard to imagine students not having access to getting
tested,” said Payne.
Although many feel that cutting Planned Parenthood’s funding will hinder the ability for
many students to access its services, there are those who believe that defunding the organization
is the right thing to do.
“I’ve had arguments with people close to me about Planned Parenthood and its services,”
said SUNY Plattsburgh student Edrwine Prenelon. “A lot of people I know are against Planned
Parenthood because they feel that it promotes promiscuity and because of the abortion services
that they offer.”
“It’s difficult when others have a different set of beliefs than you, because then you are at
odds,” said Reggianie Francois. “I personally know that Planned Parenthood is much more than
just abortion services, however I have family members who are entirely against it because they
believe that abortion is not right, and who am I to tell them what to believe?”
Planned Parenthood was thrown into the forefront of all news outlets, when a video
surfaced allegedly showing Planned Parenthood officials discussing the sale of fetal tissue. Two
members of the Center for Medical Progress were later indicted for “tampering with a
governmental record,” according to the New York Times. However, the video has been viewed
millions of times, and its effects are evident.
“You can’t un-see it,” said Payne. “Even though both groups will argue their sides, and
perhaps the truth comes out, in the back of your mind there is still doubt, because of the video.
For that reason it’s understandable why people wouldn’t trust Planned Parenthood, but we need
to dig for the entire truth, and not just the convenient one.”
“It’s definitely one of the most controversial topics being discussed throughout this
country. We even see it discussed throughout many political campaigns,” said Francois.
Many politicians have weighed in and taken a stance on the Planned Parenthood issue,
and that has caused both an uproar in supporters for Planned Parenthood, and an increase in
those against it.
This issue transcends Wisconsin and politics, it’s an issue that affects everyone in our
community. Plattsburgh’s Planned Parenthood office at 66 Brinkerhoff St. has experienced the
protests of those who are against its services, while at the same time receiving praise from those
who have benefited from the organization.
It is more than likely that this will continue to be an issue discussed for some months to
come, and the outcomes are everything but certain. “I want to see what happens here in NY with
Planned Parenthood. I feel that this is a conversation that everyone should take some time to talk
about, because even though you think it does not affect you, it might affect someone you love,”
said Prenelon.
So, where do you stand?
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