Plattsburgh locals have many options for pregnancy issues

By Olivia Cahill

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – In 1973, the United States Supreme Court declared in

court case Roe v. Wade that women had the right to abortion. In 1992, Planned

Parenthood v. Casey was able to edit the original 1973 ruling, by allowing states to

restrict abortion in the interest of women’s health – provided it not be an “undue

burden” to women - creating considerable amounts of tension between the pro-life

and pro-choice movements. In 2016, the issue of women’s health is still being

debated among presidential candidates, news outlets and most importantly, the

Supreme Court.

Most recently, the HB-2 law in Texas is being debated on a national level. The

law requires abortion providers to have admitting privileges with a hospital as well

as mandates that all abortion clinics have ambulatory surgical center standards.

This has created what many believe is an undue burden to many women seeking the

services that institutions like Planned Parenthood and Whole Woman’s Health

provide.

Whether you’re pro-life or pro-choice, there are several options for women’s

health services in Plattsburgh. Originally founded by Roderick Murphy in

Worchester, Mass., the Plattsburgh Pregnancy Center, located at 62 Brinkerhoff St.,

is a franchise that was created as a front line pregnancy center. This means that

their centers are located in as close proximity to abortion clinics as possible.

Surviving completely on donations and volunteers, the center provides

consultations and ultrasounds for pregnant women.

“We believe women need to be consulted before they make a huge decision

about their pregnancy.” Kitty St. Denis, the office manager at the Plattsburgh

Pregnancy Center said. Since 2014 they have provided free pregnancy services

including pregnancy testing, maternity home and adoption agency referrals, support

after an abortion/miscarriage or stillbirth and much more.  “There is no limit to

what we will do for the pregnant women that come to us.” St. Denis said. “Our goal is

not to be a clinic, not to take the money, but to aid in their decisions as expecting

mothers. From driving women to doctor’s appointments or grocery shopping, the

Plattsburgh Pregnancy center is dedicated to helping women keep their children.

Birthright, an international organization whose mission is to support women

during a crisis pregnancy, is also an option for locals. “We provide pregnancy tests,

diapers, formula and an assortment of other things to women expecting children.”

said volunteer Mary Gregory. As an alternative to abortion, Birthright, located at 66

Clinton St., provides assistance in getting the supplies parents need in order to

successfully raise children. Staffed by volunteers, they also aid in referrals for

medical care, housing and more.

The Clinton County Health Department also has a WIC program located at

133 Margaret St., in downtown Plattsburgh. “They offer services to women and

children in financial need and connect them to resources like budgeting and family

planning as they embark on embracing their role as a family. As a volunteer I saw

how much it helped the women.” said volunteer Jillian Kimball. The WIC program

aims to help families learn how to include healthy eating habits into their lives from

prenatal to postpartum.

Planned Parenthood is also a women’s health option in Plattsburgh. In

addition to pregnancy testing and services, Plattsburgh Planned Parenthood, located

at 66 Brinkerhoff St., provides, women’s health care, STD testing and treatment,

Contraception and abortion services.

Kelsey Beach, a patient at Planned Parenthood said, “I had to start on birth

control at a young age because of the problems I had with my menstrual cycle.

Planned Parenthood made me feel comfortable at every appointment and made sure

I knew my health was their priority.” However, sometimes visit her visits to Planned

Parenthood were atypical. “Every couple of days there would be protesters out front

with signs, yelling at my mom and I as we went in for a checkup. The fact that

Planned Parenthood still made me feel comfortable after having to pass through that

crowd shows how dedicated they are to providing service in a positive environment,

focusing fully on the patient.” said Beach.

Although the HB-2 Laws do not directly affect places such as Plattsburgh

Pregnancy Center, Birthright or WIC because they are not considered clinics, on a

national level Planned Parenthood has already had to close some of its clinics

because of this law. This makes June a crucial month for Planned Parenthood

because that is when the Supreme Court ruling will be announce.

Through the diverse options that Plattsburgh can provide, one thing is

certain; women’s health care is a priority in every capacity.