Jared and Ivanka are irrelevant.
If she's anything like her mom, I would be proud to give her my support and my vote.
71
Now they want to revoke the Children's Health Insurance Plan that treats the children of the impecunious women they force to bear children.
If the Republicans are pursuing happiness, they sure are kinky about it.
69
Cecile Richard for President!!!!!!!
55
For decades Planned Parenthood has had a special place in our national post truth, post factual debate on issues.
Planned Parenthood either provides women's health services.
Or it's an abortion mill that encourages women to have abortions. And then profits by selling the murdered "child" for experiments.
And they provide birth control that doesn't prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases and cause cancer and AIDS..?
Well, which is it? The truth doesn't matter. As with so many issues nowadays, what seems to be more important is what do people feel Planned Parenthood does. And legislate accordingly. Facts be damned.
19
If Republicans really cared about "the babies" they would also care about health care and education. But they don't.
65
Planned Parenthood kept me from being a teen mom, and it had nothing to do with abortion. I got information and birth control that I did not get from my parents or school and certainly not my church.
539
Ironic "pro-lifers" are for life, until birth, when all support stops. These same people support cutting funds for any and all social assistance programs, including Planned Parenthood; considering those on assistance as systemic parasites and wasting their tax dollars. Hypocrites is too gentle a word for them.
I feel sorry for many of these folks: their only positive feelings resultant from insertion of a q-tip in their ear.
43
A sign at The Virginia State Capitol pro-Planneed Parenthood rally last year:
"You do understand the name, right?"
36
Outlawing abortions increases their number. Even more self evident, barriers to birth control increase abortions even more. Those banning both should rename themselves: millions of death fetuses, and unwanted babies.
25
Cecile Richards, and her mother Ann, are certain American heroes who have spoken truth to power their entire lives.
I wish her well wherever she decides to go.
The hypocrisy of the republican party, especially the so called man who leads it, is simply astounding. But that is the state of America these days.
We are being governed by people who believe in fairy tales (and not just the ones in the Bible, I am especially thinking of supply side economics) and who want to demonize, imprison, or kill those of US who do not fall in line with their magical thinking.
And they are led by a so called man whose name will go down in history with the Capones, the Gottis, and the Mansons.
If these anti American, anti government zealots are not removed from the halls of power this November America is finished.
Vote for democrats like your life and the lives of your children depend on it. Because they do.
362
It does seem odd that Planned Parenthood insists on offering abortions, yet at the same time insists that abortions are a very small part of what it does. Maybe Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner were on the right track -- spin off abortion services and Planned Parenthood could gain a lot.
[Why does Gail Collins use every excuse to take a dig at Donald Trump? Abortion is not his issue. She's just like Cato with his "Carthago delenda est". Give it a rest!]
5
And where do you propose poor women go for their abortions? What back alley?
Abortion is very definitely an issue with Donald Trump.
Look up the word "naíve."
72
Whenever I see an antiabortion bumper sticker, I am dying to ask: How many of these kids in your car are fosters or adopted? How much time do you spend babysitting for a single young mother so she can work and sleep? Do you support free day care? What about food stamps and food banks, CHIP, after school programs? If the answers are none or no, you are a lying hypocrite who needs to reread the New Testament, not the old and seriously understand the implications of Christ's words.
56
I am 150% pro-choice. But this opinion piece is unfair to what was supposedly actually offered in the effort by Ivanka Trump. Based on reporting at the time, they asked that the abortion services be spun off into a separate organization (and would continue in that capacity); and that the Trump administration would then support & request increased federal funding for Planned Parenthood, over even what was provided during Obama years. And it would have included family planning, i.e., all measures of prevention, condoms, etc.
There are multiple ways of family planning beyond abortion, in fact, the majority, and as President Clinton said, ideally it is "safe, legal and rare." I.e., because people are using other measures of family planning.
For a Republican administration, this seemed to be a very creative and generous offer. Cecile Richards and Planned Parenthood turned it down. They did not seem to take it in good faith at all. So who can be surprised that Trump administration has now responded the way they have? Planned Parenthood made clear they had no interest in working with them; so Trump administration says, fine, we will have to go our own way.
I do still think Planned Parenthood is a good organization and worthy of private charitable donations and federal funding but you cannot blame Trump's HHS after the way they were totally rebuffed.
6
"Working with them"? Is that a joke?
Spinning abortions off into a separate organization would not only be extremely unprincipled, but would result in new organization being many times more vulnerable to attacks from the Right.
Women have a constitutional right to abortions and Planned Parenthood has the right to offer them. There is no compromise of one's rights with those whose goal is to take them away.
76
Let's get this straight: the so-called "pro-life" movement is actually pro-death. Why? Because women will die if they get their way. Women will die from illegal abortions, self-abortions, and high-risk pregnancies that can't be terminated because to "kill" a fetus will be illegal even if that fetus poses a threat to its mother's life while - irony or ironies - dying with her.
They are also pro-death because of the frequent correlation between anti-abortion belief and gun ownership, of violence towards others, of support for the death sentence, of support for racism and misogyny, and of support for wars and harsh treatment of immigrants and refugees.
So, let's get over the idea that they are people of sweetness and light. They - on average - are not. They are into controlling others. I have no problem with someone not "believing" in abortion, but their right to that article of faith does not give them permission to impose it on others. That behavior is deeply disrespectful and hypocritical. They want others to allow them the freedom of their own choice while not extending the same courtesy in exchange.
58
One upon a time, one of the primary things the GOP stood for was a belief the government should have little or no role in Americans' personal lives.
But then Nixon made a deal with the Catholics to promote an anti-abortion plank in exchange for their support. And then Ronald Reagan's "southern strategy" opened the Republican fold to Dixie's racial bigots and the evangelicals for whom the church has historically been a bastion of white purity and later one of white heterosexual purity.
And now these factions--ones the GOP cynically courted purely to give the party enough voters to propel and then keep them in power--have taken the helm. And the party that once stood for the proposition that the government should stay out of our private lives is fervently fighting for the legislative as well as judicial power to limit whom Americans can love, to proscribe whether or not women can have sex and to deny women their most fundamental power--control over their own bodies.
I suppose it's what happens when you sell your party's principles for votes and money: the devil gets your soul. And meanwhile the GOP says it's all in the name of God.
32
Seems to me that when these anti-abortionists force a woman to carry the fetus in her womb to term (birth) they take on a moral and financial obligation to that baby and to that baby's mother....an obligation to financially support that baby and it's mother until that baby reaches adulthood. Anti-abortionists seem to have no regard whatsoever for the babies they insist be born. I wish Planned Parenthood would include this thought in their continuing and honorable struggle.
27
The irony of the Republican opposition to abortion is that they want any child conceived to be born but have zero interest in helping that life once here on earth. Talk of cognitive dissonance.
38
God love the Republicans, because I sure don't.
2017 Kaiser Family poll: 75% of Americans (women & men, Democrat & Republican voters) favor federal support for Planned Parenthood.
I taught nursing students for many years, who had their associate's degree and came back to school for their bachelors or masters degree. These were all experienced and working nurses; many worked part-time in nursing while earning their degrees.
Some of these nursing students worked for PP. Others recommended PP to patients and poor women in their community. Some said they used PP, since their income dropped while going back to college.
GOP propaganda to the contrary: PP is not a partisan issue, because healthy reproduction and children is something most of us agree on (see above statistic), and abortion is only a tiny part of what PP does, which is provide names of abortion providers.
We should emphasize the health services and benefits PP provides, which are numerous; sex education and contraception are big ones. Do you know how ill informed many Americans are about human reproduction (women, men, and esp. GOP politicians)?
Also the medical students had a lecture from the only abortion provider MD in town. He would always tell them why he did abortions.
1. there are medical conditions that necessitate abortions
2. he was in the military in the 1950s as a doctor and saw what women did to themselves when abortion was illegal
3. he always counseled options first & tried to dissuade them
23
Thank you, Cecile, for your hard work to make wome's health a priority. Abortion gets all the attention, but PP provides valuable and needed women's and family medical services. Here in 254-county Texas: Thirty-five counties have no physician of any kind, while 80 counties have five or fewer physicians.
A total of 147 counties with a combined population of more than 1.8 million people have no obstetrician/gynecologist.
Texas ranks 41st among 50 states in physicians per 100,000 residents and would need to add 12,819 physicians in order to meet the national per capita average.
25
And the offer from Trump administration would have increased federal funding for all of this!
2
Oh, please. The needle on my baloney meter just shot off the dial.
The Trumpers offered blackmail: give up abortions and we'll support you.
Gail already covered this in her column, and she's right.
9
You know how you can make people neurotic? This is from PSY 101. Put them in a double bind--"damned if you do, and damned if you don't.
The Republicans are still doing what Karl Rove told them to do decades ago. Don't let the Democrats focus on issues that Americans agree on and care the most about, such as jobs and fair pay, quality education and health care for all, fair tax laws, peace
No, no! Because then Republicans would be forced to spend taxpayer dollars on people & society, rather than the GOP-preferred tax breaks for the 1%, corporate welfare, military contractors...
So, Rove said: Make abortion a #1 issue--a wedge issue that divides the voters. Never mind that abortion rates have been falling since 1981 and continue to fall. Never mind conservatives used to be in favor of individual choice and privacy.
Then (drum roll) drive people nuts by denying contraception coverage too, which so pleases fanatical male-dominated religious groups. And don't think male domination of women (like the bad old days) doesn't have a lot to do with all this GOP histrionics over denying a woman's right to privacy and to choose.
Then let's get to the "stupid" part, where GOP politicians embarrass themselves on TV by showing they display their ignorance over how women's reproduction works.
Next, let's talk about the GOP hypocrites who use contraception and get their female family members and girlfriends abortions.
Don't vote for Republicans until they stop driving us nuts
25
Trump is a kid skipping on the rocks in the Stream. he doesn't land long enough to get wet. he doesn't stay in one place so that we can Witness his follow-through. he dazzles us by his leaps. they have no substance.
Our attention to him, rather than two plans of the future--the global middle class doubling, safety Max lifting nations out of poverty, a new proxy war in the Middle East with Israel, fiat pricing and quotas in trade are battles that will lose the war.
trade is an exchange, war is power in Conquest. Progress is momentum. Business booked. This Administration has none. No forward thinking.
6
First, let me digress. If we had a woman like Ann Richards as a Presidential candidate in 2016, she would have "wiped the floor" with the abomination we currently have in the WH. Moving on to Cecille and PP, we cannot separate the controversy about abortion from the overarching "post-truth" era we seem to be in. Attitudes against abortion are hardening for the same reasons Evolution, Climate Change and the shape of the Earth are being challenged. The sad truth is that more than ever, today's US is an amalgam of First and Third World States. First Trimester Abortion is lawful in every Developed Country. With a couple of exceptions, less Developed countries are all moving in that direction. Dogma and "feelings" have given way to facts and thoughtfulness in virtually every country but ours. Our President is a prime example and sadly, we seem to be in the early innings of this bifurcation. A fish rots from the head down. Cecille is well positioned to help stem the tide. We need her.
25
I have read many of the comments to Ms Collin's fine opinion piece, and I am struck by a number of the pro-life statements. As has been said, Planned Parenthood is so much more than providing abortion services. It is primarily about the health and welfare of women, particularly for those who do not have the means to afford health insurance. This administration urged on by an extreme Right Christian force continues to exploit us women. This paradigm is unjust and suppressive. If there is one thing that we have to tenaciously and relentlessly fight for is our right to our own bodies. The audacity of others to judge us, our identities, our individualities is morally and ethically wrong. These folks have a right to their own opinion, but they absolutely can not be allowed to live another's life on their terms only.
21
A rich man who has children with multiple women, all models, left to raise the children until he needs a photo op - this is the last person who should dictate family planning.
Cecile and Cynthia: a winning ticket.
23
Setting aside the Stable Genius for a hot minute, please resist the urge to candy coat George W. Bush and his abominable record on reproductive health and rights – including family planning.
Starting on his first day in office, when he reinstated the harmful Global Gag Rule, George Bush Jr. was TERRIBLE for women and girls in the U.S. and the world's poorest people. His presidency was a rolling thunder of local, state, federal and international attacks on women's health.
Gail Collins, surely you remember those dark eight years of:
-- Defunding of Title X, America’s family planning program for the low-income and uninsured people
-- Efforts to paint contraception as abortion
-- Federal funding for anti-choice groups
-- WH mouthpiece Karen Hughes comparing abortion rights activists to 9/11 terrorists
-- Dr. Susan Wood quitting the FDA because it abandoned its scientific integrity on emergency contraception
-- True standout piece of work AG John Ashcroft attempting to seize women's private medical records
Even PEPFAR, the U.S.' global HIV/AIDS program launched during Bush II, included massive investments in ineffective abstinence-only programs to appease Bush’s anti-family planning, anti-choice base.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg… all of it delivered with Bush’s trademark smirk.
A quick refresher can be found here:
http://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/distributed/G/bo20849623.html
20
I don't know who the anonymous Congressman was, but enjoyed his projective criticism of Ms. Richards as "being just like a criminal." Excellent praise, sir, it takes one to know one.
1
The Republican Party does not want to stop abortion rights. The issue attracts millions of their voters. Why would you want to get rid of an issue that fires up the base as much as this does. The Republican Party runs on G.A.G. Issues; God, abortion and guns. Without abortion it could lose one-third of its voters. Drain the swamp in November.
8
The other expression used is "God, guns, and gays."
As you say, all to fire up the base and get them to vote Republican.
Then those Republican politicians pass tax cuts for the rich and give those same voters huge deficits / debt.
Unfortunately, the rest of us also get those huge deficits / debt.
3
If you shop on Amazon, you can use their "smile" address/function to have part of your purchases go to a charity. I have chosen Planned Parenthood for mine.
18
Once again the Trump administration demonstrates its disdain for the rule of law, specifically Roe v. Wade.
Being anti-abortion is like being pro-murder, pro-robbery, pro-obstruction of justice or any other crime.
133
Nat, I fear you are correct - Stand your ground laws; Trump unethical but legal, it seems, pay for play lobby and public moneys spending spree crowd; example available for every gov't act. The rule of law is as thin as Trump's hair.
18
Roe v. Wade is not the law. It is a court decision applying the law. The law in question is the Constitution, which says nothing about a "right of privacy" let alone a right to an abortion. That makes the decision by Harry Blackmun a joke as far as rule of law goes.
That said, I think Roe v. Wade sets out a reasonable compromise on abortion. Few restrictions during the first trimester, stringent restrictions during the second trimester, and a near ban during the third.
Too bad the Supreme Court did not leave the issue up to the legislature like the Constitution requires. Abortion is a political issue, not a legal one.
7
"So when they continued asking Him, He lifted Himself up and said unto them, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”
Since no one is without sin, whether we are religious or not, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, etc., perhaps this country needs to move towards looking at how to prevent abortions rather than making them impossible to get when needed or desired. The same people who claim to value all human life and care about children are the same ones attempting to cut funds for programs that help families in need, keep children in school, keep people from hunger, and allow them to survive. If the only life that is considered sacred and worth protecting is an embryo or fetus all human life is not sacred. Embryos and fetuses don't talk back, don't demand affordable housing, and have no political views.
As an adult who was an unwanted child I think the government should stay out of families reproductive decisions. I think that religions too should stay out unless their followers come to their ministers or rabbis or priests and request a counseling session to discuss it. And it should be the couple's decision to use abstinence, not the government's. It's high time that Americans, especially the Greatly Overrated Patriarchs, take their heads out of the sand and look at the world around them.
Women can make decisions. In fact they are the ones who ought to be deciding, not anyone else.
14
Thank you, Cecile. Your advocacy gives me hope in this increasingly hostile to women world. I marched in the 1960s for women’s choices and am distressed that I need to continue the resistance today. But resist I will! And do!
13
A hero. Full stop.
8
Females have practiced birth control since the beginning of time and they will continue to do so. It is our right and responsibility to exercise that choice. Amen!
14
This current White House is a "dead zone", completely emptied of any compassion, empathy, understanding, sympathy and, fundamentally, love. It is a toxic stew of hatred, grievance, revenge, anger, and indifference. The lowly denizens of this hellish Administration mistakenly, naively think that their tenure will go on and on, into a far distant future. They are woefully mistaken. The madness will end, and for each one of them it will not be a pretty exit. The roar of the outraged and disgusted is coming.
11
Given the huge opioid epidemic we have and the thousands of babies with cognitive disabilities born to addicted mothers, one would think that free contraceptives would be front and center. Abstinence is a joke.
Thank you Cecile Richards for all you have done for American women.
21
At one point Pope John Paul said it was better for many to get HIV than to use condoms/birth control which meant eternal damnation.
This is a fanatics point of view and should be relegated to history. These are people who will not listen no matter what is said. Separation of civil from religious, now.
15
Excellent article, thank you Ms. Collins. This may be your best article - you have addressed a very serious issue with thoughtfulness and insight, with the right balance of sarcasm/irony, which you do so well. Planned Parenthood is one of, if not our most important funded organizations; yes, more so than environment and science, and equal to, if not more important than, education. This country simply must provide quality (not just adequate, what a loser adjective!) family health planning, for everyone, not just the elite (as in rich GOPers, please). This includes access to birth control and abortions for those who so choose, in addition to education and support for health care for the entire family. We must, as an entire citizenry, oppose the idealogues, whom you and Ms. Richards so correctly identify; we must get out of the Middle Ages in our thinking about sex and family...the people of the country see this, our ignorant clowns in office do not. And rock on, Ms. Richards...may you take NY by storm, as your mother did so well to Texas!!
20
The current SCOTUS is determined to return to the pre Griswold v. Connecticut days. And they will be successful; they just need a case to rule on. Elections have consequences, some tragic.
9
"“You have to give everybody a chance,” Richards said mildly."
And once again, Gail Collins completely misses the irony.
3
Some Congressmen are so eager to put their noses in women’s reproductive choices how about if you send them a questionnaire to tell us how they practice family planning. Details please
8
It continues to be so terribly, terribly depressing that we still have to have a religious argument over whether abortion should be allowed. It is a medical procedure, performed here on planet Earth, by human doctors--whatever your particular God thinks of it might make for an interesting sermon on Sunday, but it has no place in discussion of availability or funding. I'm sorry. Religion is personal internal mental storytelling, and as inspiring and fulfilling it may be to you, please do not inflict it on others. The decisions of this society concerning the rights of its citizens (particularly their physical health) must transcend religion, faith, superstition, or any other kind of wishful thinking. Rhetoric about "innocent life" is rendered meaningless when spoken by persons who otherwise advocate economic and military policies which do grievous harm upon the bodies and souls of actual living beings around the world who surely are as blameless as the angelic fetuses mentioned in pro-life propaganda.
518
Well said. Thank you!
41
Thank you for this!
31
Whenever I ride by a clinic for women in a certain town in my state, and I see abortion protesters milling outside with their signs, I always envision the following scenario:
A young and frightened woman coming up to them and making the announcement, “Ok, I will not terminate my pregnancy if one of you will please sign these papers that commits you to adopting and raising my child. Anyone, before I go inside?”
I can just imagine the deafening silence and nervous looks.
23
Again, the blame falls squarely on Bernie’s fanatical supporters that did NOT vote HRC, full stop.
They will pay dearly the rest of their lives for their folly, but so will the rest of us.
Now the far right is stocking the courts with young ideologues picked by the Federalist Society.
Abortions rights have a clock on them and it is running out.
Stupidity is the most destructive force in the world.
Most people have no idea of the darkness we are approaching.
If DJT can keep the economy propped up until 2020, and he can hold off Mueller, he can win electorally again, he’ll certainly lose the popular vote.....
15
I would like to know how many abortions Donald Trump has paid for. And how many by other abortion foes.
Why are the anti abortion protesters only at Planned Parenthood? I think PP performs fewer than half the abortions that take place. Are those hospitals at risk for losing funding?
When will someone with a loud voice speak the truth: no matter what the law is, some women will seek an abortion. Safe, legal and rare are the words Bill Clinton used to say.
22
She would be a great senator or even run president.
Yeah, Tump promoting abstinence together with Pence would be a lot of fun. I wish they initiate such a policy.
Ivanka and Jarrad are irrelevant actors with absolutely no pull whatsoever on any subject. It would be great though if they get indicted by the special counsel.
I think a conviction for Jarrad - say 10 yrs in prison - while Ivanka is spared would be a good deal. Let's try to be a bit compassionate and only put one of them in jail not both.
3
Thank you Cecile, for all that you have done for the benefit of humankind. Maybe the next issue for Planned Parenthood can encompass men's sexual health, including forced sterilization of men who are philanderers, which would address part of the root cause for abortions.
15
Team, we have to drop the fantasy that opposite to abortion is something different from opposition to contraception. "Abortion opponents" are reproductive rights opponents. Most are not interested in stopping abortion. And they certainly not interested in the health and well-being of infants and children. As has often been noted, once the fetus emerges as a baby, he/she can live or die in disease and poverty for all they care. So stop with the logic that better contraception would lead to fewer abortions, as if that were a valid argument to make to reproductive rights opponents. In fact, it entirely misses the point. They don't care about the details of how it's done. They just want to control women.
22
By now it is a cliche to point out that right to lifers appear to care much more about a child to be than actual children or families for that matter.
I know at least four women, including my own mother, who had abortions while dating or engaged to the man they ended up marrying to go on and produce children. The reason that they all made that decision to terminate their pregnancies was the same reason that they weren't yet married; they could not afford to be mothers at the time, financially, emotionally or practically.
Again, all of these women went on to marry the same father to be who became their husbands and their actual children's fathers. Further, having learned something from their experience they did not become pregnant again until they could afford to be the mothers they desired to be. In my mother's case, she went on to help counsel her own daughters and to give time and support to Planned Parenthood, as we have done since.
18
Trump's dogged persistence in punishing Planned Parenthood hurts poor women + those in rural areas with nowhere to go.
The clinics assist vulnerable and low income women for preventative healthcare + planning for pregnancies!
Trump's first budget very cruelly attacked programs for women. This *immediately* followed The Worldwide Women's March in 2107.
Reports are Mr. Trump was highly angered by the march.
Aides said he wanted an immediate response as he watched television coverage of massive marches globally.
Days after he imposed a global gag rule cutting billions in programs for children's health, HIV/AIDS, communicable diseases, access to contraceptives, women's care.
225 million women globally lost access to contraceptives + emergency care for pregnancy complications that could kill them.
Mr. Trump--- pathetically thin skinned and vindictive-- struck out at women following their protest of him + his policies.
He is so narcissistically tender he even had to strike out many millions fold....
16
Of course I meant 2017. Trump couldn't stand it that women protested a day after his presidency. This is a sign of an authoritarian despot. Too bad he would never get up from his cheeseburgers and television viewing to read our comments. Is he golfing today?
What a rolling disaster.
5
I'd love the opportunity to vote Cecile Richards into elected office.
9
Perhaps changing the name from Planned Parenthood to something different and more generic might help assuage these righteous morons.
After all the likes of Pence et al strongly believe that only “their” god can plan parenthood.
3
Run runrunrunrun!!
2
Love Cecile and loved her mother. We miss her every day we have the nut jobs we have in the governor's seat. But, I must ask Ms. Collins - why would Cecile live in Waco? Waco? Really? There are so many other great cities in Texas to choose from above Waco. You got one right, Houston, but not Waco. Nice place to visit but someone of Cecile's stature would not live there unless she worked at Baylor or owned a horse farm somewhere.
2
Love Cecile and loved her mother. We miss her every day we have the nut jobs we have in the governor's seat. But, I must ask Ms. Collins - why would Cecile live in Waco? Waco? Really? There are so many other great cities in Texas to choose from above Waco. You got one right, Houston, but not Waco. Nice place to visit but someone of Cecile's stature would not live there unless she worked at Baylor or owned a horse farm somewhere.
One can only hope that the closing couple of paragraphs ARE "for real" - if only the many hundreds (thousands) of women who chose to work in the non-profit sector either because they wanted to make the difference that they have ... or they didn't want to bump into a glass ceiling too quickly ... or both
would consider elective office.
It pains me to hear Ms. Nixon compared to Trump as "an outsider." It's even worse when people forget that Donald DID have lots of "executive" experience ... and then hear Ms. Nixon dismissed as "just an actress."
Talent comes in many varieties, ... and if anyone (still) equates experience with expertise, they're to be pitied, of course.
But when you've got "the whole package," as "Cecile" so obviously does, one finds oneself praying (certainly, more than hoping) that she DOES opt for the many challenges of setting the agenda ... and not just struggling to adapt to an agenda set by people far less gifted than she is!
I am old enough to remember when abortion was illegal. My room mate in college got an illegal abortion in of all places- Ohio!
The description was out of a medieval horror novel- back room, dark, dirty, no anesthetics and her boyfriend was a wealthy Harvard student.
Abortion will continue, the question is whether it will be safe or will we have a replay of John Irving's-"Cider House Rules" about abortion before Roe V Wade- coat hooks and all.
345
Hilarious to see someone writing from Rhode Island be condescending about Ohio.
1
Hilarious to see somenone from Boston & Berlin be so off topic.
1
It was the Rhode Island commentator who was off topic by her gratuitous mention of Ohio in the first place.
Savvy, smart and determined, Cecille Richards brings a lot from her mother, Ann Richards, to the field. What the anti-choice people don't allow is what Joe Biden and others who do not believe in abortion, for instance, one of the many services available for women who have made that difficult choice to terminate a pregnancy, but believe in what the US Supreme Court has upheld since Roe v. Wade, in spite of inroads against that ruling, in the rights women have. How precarious the rights of women, and others who are at the mercy of a patriarchal society who in spite of pronouncements about their religion do not provide for the children, the issue of many women who wanted or needed an abortion, or before that, birth control. It seems incredible that how many years after Margaret Sanger and Margaret Atwood's HANDMAIDEN that women face this today. Shame on all who vote for these men and women who prevent women from what should be a right: choice.
273
Thank you, Cecile Richards. You have helped millions of Americans, men and women, and saved many lives. You are the epitome of grace, intelligence, and persistence. You surely deserve some time off, but I hope we have not seen the last of you. You will always have my support.
278
Just what I wanted to say--thank you!!
15
My choice in the upcoming gubernatorial primary is between a governor whose policies I generally like, but whom I genuinely loath on a personal level, and the star of a television show I never watched.
Cecile Richards: experienced activist, administrator...is it too late to jump in?
134
Why settle for the governorship? Why not the 2020 Democratic nominee for President? Gawd, what a refreshing change THAT would be.
27
I was a family planning nurse practitioner back in the 1970's. We fought fewer battles--practically none--then than what republicans are throwing at women now. It is unbelievable how far right the right wing has gone.
15
Has it never occurred to the people opposed to abortions that PLANNED parenthood would reduce the need for abortions? Has it never occurred to those same people that good sex education and understanding of birth control and STDs would reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies and cases of venereal disease (which Trump boasted was his greatest enemy in the ‘60s). Do these people, well intentioned as they may think they are, not realize that they live in the United States, not Gilead?
10
Denise was surprised at how naive Jarvanka were? Really? Surprised? Phew. Their gilded world view did not qualify them to be anywhere near government. (maybe after the revolution America won't be overrun with billionaires in politics) For their indoctrination into government they both should have been sent to watch juvenile court for a month. See the fruits of "abstinence first" birth control. Time to realize the devastating effect on progress that evangelical interference with governmental policy has. They cry for religious freedom, but we need more freedom from them.
10
These folks are constitutional lawbreakers defying the first amendment prohibition of faith-based legislation. They have no right to force others to perform any penances or ablutions for the sake of their own afterlives.
5
Perhaps a documentary of the findings about Irish Mother and Baby homes would wake people up to the horror of religious answers to unplanned pregnancies. That is Pence's solution to having sex-shame and horror.
This is the 21st century and the planet is sinking under the stress of too many billions of humans. This is truly not the time for a medieval mindset. Cecile Richards is a champion for women, families and the planet!
12
With the republicans calling for no abortions & no birth control, they can build more orphanages & homes for unwed mothers like the Irish homes of the past. These are people who do not support adopting American kids but will go over seas to adopt some unwanted child. Make them adopt America’s unwanted first.
4
Cecile Richards is the antithesis of the typical Trump woman. She is a natural born American citizen whose mother was a political titan who has never been an actress nor model.
11
Mother and daughter have been national treasures: effective in their efforts to socially valuable ends, smart, strong, decent, reasonable, poised, and gracious.
Whether she runs for elected office or not, she will continue to be a force for good.
Thank you, Ms. Richards for the good work which you have done and, in advance, for the good work which you will do.
27
Thank you Ms. Richards for your service to women, children and the people who love them. You’re brilliant and reasonable and, based on dozens of interviews seen over the years, among the most tolerant and patient individuals in public life.
Be happy. Enjoy the next phase of your life. I hope, for the sake of humanity, it’s in the public sphere but you’ve earned the right to fade away quietly, peacefully.
P.S. Poor people in America and around the world need a voice.
16
All the pro-life women I have talked with have used birth control.
And also their daughters.
21
Jared and Ivanka's talk with Richards is so indicative of the whole Trump administration. Tell the expert what to do and when that person tries to explain, shut them out and blame them for the failure.
371
Supporting even one child properly gets increasingly difficult every year as the rich have taken over this country and wages haven't come close to keeping-up. America is already a tough and often cruel place for half its children and their parents to grow-up and live in, why do Republican so-called Christian politicians want to make life even harder by making birth control more difficult to get?
15
Bravo Gail !
3
Oh, Gail! Tell us the one about Cecile "donating" $250,000 of our contributions to Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries. Giving more money to a message-free campaign bloated with stinker pay-to-play money, resulting in a loss on the Supreme Court and a genital-grabbing buffoon in the White House. Please. Just one more laugh!
3
Surveying the political landscape, I get the sense that the more women we have in power the better off we will be.
25
The specific issue here is abortion, but the larger issue is one that is present in almost all chases between the right and the left. Republicans, and especially their evangelical wing, believe that their beliefs are guided by a higher authority that prescribes behavior. They attempt to force their morality, even their religious beliefs, on others. Liberals believe people should have a choice in issues like birth comtrol, atheism, sexual identification.
That’s why Planned Parenthood is generally defined by the right as a place for abortions. If you believe in absolutist philosophy, it’s much easier to not deal with any gray areas, any ambiguities—so issues in like abortion and gun control, the views of liberals are misrepresented by the right.
I am a man old enough to have lived before effective birth control was available to women. I generally think single issue politics is not smart, but I would vote against any individual, group, or party that’s against full funding for Planned Parenthood.
30
Best of luck to Ms. Richards. I've been a fan of her, and her mother, for many years. They are both role models of women determined to make their way in a world that was often against them, and they did it with integrity and grit. I admire them both.
16
It is good to be reminded that effective birth control is the surest way to prevent abortion. Perhaps it is time for those opposed to both to choose the lesser of the two evils and promote universal availability of birth control.
6
Lesser evil? Birth control is evil? Wow!!!
13
The original commenter is referring to how those OPPOSED to abortion and contraceptive rights would see them-- as choosing the lesser of two evils. Calm down a second and take a breath, then re-read the comment.
1
Cecile Richards may want to spend time with ordinary people organizing for good causes. As for abstinence, let Trump be the first one to demonstrate it.
14
All those evangelicals and right-to-lifers lose sight of the fact that when "God" said to "go forth and multiply", He(She) supposedly also gave people the brains to know when to stop. (Anyone ever see the scene from Disney's Sorcerer's Apprecntice when the brooms divide and multiply out of control and go on to cause immeasurable havoc?).
The Earth is overpopulated as it is, and environmental pressures (droughts, no water, no food) are forcing populations in unprecedented numbers to migrate across the globe in search of them.
16
I think it would be a wonderful idea for Cecile Richards to run for a major elective office. Though the right wing would celebrate, and demonize her along the lines of Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi, I think a Richards candidacy would be a nightmare for the right. The "uppity" woman on steroids.
Let the games begin indeed.
9
Hail Ms. Richards for fighting the good fight. The GOP alchemy of claiming moral high ground on sex and its consequences is one of the mysteries of my generation: a toxic concoction of fawning over religious extremists, vilifying the poor, rejecting science and education and delivered by hypocrites and echoed it through poison media outlets. We need look no further than the misogynist in chief as the result of this journey into darkness.
13
Nevertheless, we have progressed. If you want to experience 19th Century out-of-wedlock pregnancy from inside the woman's own skin, read Bleak House.
2
Ms. Collins writes about "um, family planning." How coy. But we all know what Planned Parenthood is all about. And Cecile Richards will have to live with that ignominy for the rest of her life.
2
And I’ve walked my husband to work at Planned Parenthood in Houston through a crowd of those “nice” anti-choice protesters because he looked like a doctor when, in fact, he was providing free HIV testing. These “nice” “Christian” ladies were screaming threats at him and physically attempting to block our path. My husband had to wear a bullet-proof vest because these protestors threatened to shoot him and others.
So don’t tell me about those vulgar pro-choice protestors. And don’t presume that you and everybody “Knows” what goes on at Planned Parenthood, because clearly you don’t have a clue.
44
And you will have to live with being just one more hate-filled Republican asshole spending an eternity in Hell. Praise Jesus! Hallelujah!
15
When you have a bunch of men voting on what women ought to think and do, is that not discrimination?
If so, it might be used as an argument against the white religious zealots and sue them for abusing and depriving women of their civil rights. There you go...
9
I had a hearty laugh when Trump, pro-choice until he decided to run for POTUS, answered Chris Matthews' question if there should be a punishment imposed on women who have an abortion. Trump, shooting from the hip as always, replied, "Yes, there should be some form of punishment." It is mind boggling that Evangelicals and other Christian Rightists overlook Trump's history of sexual escapades and assertions (grabbing women's genitalia) simply because he talks the talk of being pro-life.
11
Why doesn't Gail organize the women to get out and vote for women? Aren't women the largest constituent group? Why don't they elect each other and get the stupid men out?
12
We have a president who allegedly had unprotected sex with a porn star and his administration is promoting abstinence. You cannot make this up if you tried.
32
I’m shocked at how naive Gail Collins seems to be.
I love babies. MAN do I love babies. But I don't love someone telling me, or any woman, what to do about our unique physiology that leaves us losing our bodies for most of a year, feeding the babies, comforting the babies, holding the babies, or surrendering our babies, without support or help from the unique physiology that ejaculated in us. I think pregnancy should be up to us. That said, I'd love to see more birth control and fewer abortions, but so many obstacles, including social scowling, make even prevention a hurdle. Unless, of course, you can just keep a condom in your wallet or purse in case you don't feel like abstaining. They're 82% effective keeping women unpregnant. Better at stopping the spread of STDs. https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org
As for abstinence, has no one "at the top" learned ANYTHING by watching the cascade of falling aggressors and abusers in recent months? Or is it just that the rule makers (who have not been caught or charged yet) believe women are weak, and if they are in someone's sites, they should expect to be prey, and pregnant, and shunned? How much good is women's abstinence when men won't stop ejaculating in them? (BTW, as we know from a previous administration, oral sex counts as sex, not abstinence, though no baby is possible from it.)
Why do these powerful men, and their subservient handmaids (Mrs. Pence), insist that wombs belong to all of us? In that case, shouldn't penises belong to all of us? Just thinking.
11
I'm an upper middle class Canadian. When I first became sexually active decades ago, as a teenager, I got my birth control pills from Planned Parenthood. It wasn't an issue of affordability, but anonymity. I couldn't imagine at the time going to my family doctor for that -- I was too worried about my parents finding out. Besides the pills, they gave me info on preventing STDs and did annual cervical exams. I'm so grateful they were there, so that I could graduate from college and establish a successful career, then start a family when i was ready for it.
36
Well done, Ms. Richards. The way our world of politics is heading, there will be a turnaround in the not to distant future. Women will start to become the controllers of their own bodies and lives and that is exactly how it should be.
24
I thought abortion services were a small part of what Planned Parenthood offered--yet you describe it as central as internet access for Facebook--in other words the soul of it. Which is it? Other commenters are uncomfortable with this characterization of abortion being the heart of PP because of how it looks. But really, is it true? If it's true, then admit it, truly isolate its funding to those who want to fund abortions, and then let the government help fund all the other great things PP does. The problem is, I don't think it's possible to do, because PP refuses to accept the fact that some people do not want to fund abortion. The vast vast majority of those against abortion are NOT against birth control. They are just against being called naive for thinking there's a way of helping women without funding abortions.
3
JMS, please rethink your statement that “the vast vast majority” of anti-abortion folk support birth control. I fear you are being mislead. I thought that once as well, but the political climate has changed so. Their is a deep strain of antipathy to (at least pre-marital) sex in the country today. There is a reason this administration supports abstinence-only initiatives as the only acceptable means of birth control.
6
I have been participating with a group of pro lifers that stands quietly praying in front of Planned Parenthood every first Saturday of each month in Manhattan. My first encounter was with a group of pro abortion folks who were protesting in front of a Church in which I was entering to participate in a service and vigil. These protesters were loud and obscene and carrying signs one which supported Planned Parenthood. I knew immediately I was doing the right thing by getting involved with the pro life movement once I saw these protestors vulgar behavior.
After the service, we walked over to Planned Parenthood to continue our peaceful vigil across the street from the facility and the pro abortion people followed. They stood directly in front of us and harassed some of our folks. The police were called in to prevent any violence from the protestors and they were forced to stand in front of the Planned Parenthood facility. Of course, this did not sit well with Planned Parenthood's employees. This resulted in fewer women and men visiting the facility. As someone commented from our group, we probably saved some babies from being aborted that day.
In March, we continued our pro life vigils and the pro abortion crowd continued to protest but in far fewer numbers. The police are now a permanent presence while we are there. The pro life crowd numbered over 125 and the pro abortion 35 in March. In April and May there were no pro abortion people. They have lost interest.
3
1. Nobody is "pro abortion." People are pro choice, inclusive of choices to receive birth control information and education. Which explains why abortion rates drop under presidents like Clinton and Obama, and not under presidents like Reagan, Bush and trump.
2. Calling people killers, even in a low and calm voice, is inciteful. You know that, so perhaps you should come to grips with the reality of your own actions.
3. Anyone familiar with the shooting deaths of several doctors, and the lengths that people have to go to when flying into places like Buffalo, NY and any city in Mississippi, to provide medical services, knows exactly how "peaceful" the anti-abortion movement can be.
64
WPLMMT
There are no "pro abortion" people. Those of us who support Planned Parenthood are supporting a woman's right to choose medical procedures without interference from government or "pro-life" people like you. Planned Parenthood provides cancer screenings, pelvic exams and family planning assistance, as I am sure you realize. You are choosing, however, to focus only on the abortion services PP offers. See, there is that word, "choice," again. Women in this country are free to make choices that affect their reproductive lives. You are free to choose to voice your objections to these choices. You are not, however, entitled to keep other women from making choices. I am not sure why you feel it is any of your business to interfere with a woman's right to choose.
58
Doesn’t this commenter get tired of saying the same thing over and over and over again? Can she actually think she’s changed anyone’s mind on the matter?
15
I attended Ms. Richards’ book signing in Phoenix last week. The room was packed and many were volunteers from Planned Parenthood, several of whom are running for office here locally. I was looking for a volunteer opportunity and I decided hem and there that this organization is the one. I hope they find another leader who can represent sanity and good planning as well as Cecile did!
21
Planned Parenthood has its roots in the 1920s and got its current name in 1942, long before Roe v Wade.
In addition to letting women take charge of having children, it was also because women were dying with back-alley abortions.
In spite of the right's cynical campaign for 35 years, it is called Planned Parenthood and not Abortion, Inc. for a reason.
But the right is not really interested in fixing the problem. They really want the fight to get their voters to vote Republican and then those Republican politicians give huge tax cuts to the rich and give their voters, and the rest of us, huge deficits / debt.
12
Dear Gail,
No private organization should be receiving taxpayer funds in order to stay in business, to include Planned Parenthood. If they provide such a valuable service, then their business model should reflect that. If their clients are poor and PP thinks their service is so worthy, they should become a charity service and ask for donations. Surely there are enough wealthy believers out there who could fund PP in perpetuity.
3
Planned Parenthood receives "funding" exactly the way other organizations do, by providing reimbursable health services under programs like Medicaid.
"Defunding" Planned Parenthood means discrimination by excluding it from programs to which every other provider would be entitled.
20
No private organization should receive taxpayer funds? You mean the govt. should cancel all contracts with the private companies that manufacture fighter jets and tanks?
supply much of the computer power and management to run Medicare?
supply the government with paper, printers and staples?
that pave roads, provide telephone service, and manufacture stoplights?
I’m impressed! I’ve long considered myself a socialist, but this idea takes socialism to an extreme I’ve never imagined. Thank you!
15
And churches should pay taxes.
7
Thank you, Cecile Richards for your inspired leadership and advocacy of women’s rights. I am a proud Planned Parenthood member, although I have never used their services. I want Planned Parenthood to be available to women of all ages, but especially to young women. Family planning is key to young women achieving financial independence and career success. I cannot for the life of me understand why men are opposed to women having control of their reproductive lives...unless, of course, men object because they want complete control over women.
15
The position of NY State AG is currently available. Go for it Ms. Richards.
7
As long as so-called anti-abortion congressmen (3 I've heard of) tell their wife or mistress (sometimes both!) to have abortions and the so-called potus brags about his own promiscuity, I'm not buying any of the GOP party line.
28
Thank you Gail, I am so glad to see you using your column to support women's issues :)
10
" Every sperm is sacred. Every sperm is great. When a sperm is wasted, GOP gets quite irate." With apologies to Monty Python. And God.
You'd think the GOP would love those fast breeding immigrants they've been ranting about.
17
I am a strong advocate for Planned Parenthood, should have been around before Trump hit the floor.
9
After Ms. Richards has an adequate period of resting and recuperating, I think she would make a marvelous Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Kamala Harris/Maura Healy Administration.
35
Thank you Cecile Richards. Thank you and all the people who staff Planned Parenthood clinics across America. They all put up with inaccuracies from the "pro life" side (I prefer to call them anti-choice) and in some cases, physical threats. Most PP clinics do not perform abortions, only 3% of their facilities do. And in many places, PP is the only game in town for any kind of healthcare for women, particularly poor women. Good luck, Cecile, I can't wait to see what you do next!
16
When I was nineteen and a freshman at Ohio State but living at home (I was a townie), I decided to be sexually active with my boyfriend (who became a husband later) and went to Planned Parenthood for birth control pills.
Wasn't that smart of me? Shouldn't I get credit for not bringing a child into the world when I was nowhere near ready? Well, actually, Planned Parenthood should get credit because they were there to help me and my boyfriend be responsible. I've never forgotten and I've always been grateful. I didn't have a child until I was thirty-five when I truly was ready.
I do not understand Republicans. They don't want children out of marriage but they also don't want people on birth control. Geez, do you think it could be a 'let's control women' kind of thing? Yeah, me, too.
Thank you Planned Parenthood and Ms. Richards for all you've done to help people. I was one and I've never forgotten. I'm so glad I was smart enough to do the right thing and I controlled my own destiny with your help. And, thank you for your mother. I adored her. "Poor George, he can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth". Loved it!!
980
GOP women use birth control
We are pro choice
Don’t label us, you don’t know us
People, like Pence and Anthony Comstock, who are obsessed with other people's sex life are very disturbed people. I don't trust them. I would not leave my children alone with them.
33
Gail, the whole country, not just Texas and New York, needs Cecile Richards and women like her. She, as did her mother, scare the hell out of liars and fake Christians.
38
Thank you Ms. Richards for your service, strength, and relentless support. PP essentially saved my life nearly 40 years ago when I was 15, with no safe place else to turn. Like some others commenting on this piece I will now make an online donation to PP in your honor, and, as a way to honor my own committment to reproductive rights and essential healthcare for women.
31
You know, the Dems are desperate for a presidential candidate for 2020. I can't think of one with more potential to actually glean the support of the entire population of US women on both sides of the aisle than Ms. Richards. Surely more likable, more electable, more socially savvy and more appealing than Hillary.
3
What I want to know is how so many rich people and politicians all seem to have only a couple (at the most) children over long marriages.
Does this prove abstinence works, or would it be because birth control is used and only denied to those that might have enough children to need any help from the government at some period in their lives.
28
Congratulations to Cecile for her brave leadership of Planned Parenthood. I am an Indian American and during my student years worked for Family Planning Association of India, an affiliate of International Planned Parenthood Association. Both China and India (over 40% of world population) have approached this need differently, China had forced abortions and India was the first developing country to promote Family Planning as Public Policy. Initially, millions of condoms were distributed free, services to women were provided free to address specific needs. Now it is so well accepted, that the need is for a cafeteria approach offering a variety for people to pick what they need. India has already entered population growth of 1.7% that is below replacement level. Religion has never been a hurdle in a country of over 1 billion Hindus.
16
I was fortunate to know Ann Richards and I am trilled to learn more about Cecile. The fruit often falls close to the tree.
9
Ms. Richards is a true public servant. The anti-choice crowd gets away with calling themselves pro-life because no one ever asks them to clarify just whose life they're referring to: the mother's? the baby's? And then how does a child benefit from having a mother who isn't prepared to raise a child in this social landscape denuded of supports by the very decision-makers who are forcing her to have the child in the first place.
Pro-Life? Whose life? Not mine, surely. Not anyone's.
31
For those who have paid attention, Ms. Richards has been the most tireless person on the planet for the past twelve years. So much to admire. Sad she is leaving Planned Parenthood, but she deserves wherever her next decision leads. As they say, thank you for your service.
26
Donald Trump and abstinence???? Now there is an oxymoron, emphasis on the last two syllables.
29
Thank you PP. I hope Cecile Richards continues to make trouble.
6
Her mother was the best thing to come out of Texas since pink grapefruit, I'd vote for Ms. Richards for president based on her lineage alone.
15
Planned Parenthood will win in the long run.
If the Broidy shoe drops, it will be sooner rather than later.
I don't think Broidy got the Playboy model pregnant (who had an abortion) - another one of Cohen's clients did.
Think about it, if Broidy told his spouse that he had an affair, had unprotected sex, got the woman pregnant and then spent $1.6 million of marital assets to get a non-disclosure agreement, wouldn't you be able to Google "Broidy and divorce"?
Hmmmm.
15
I strongly believe that much of the animosity and, yes, misogyny, that is directed by men towards Planned Parenthood has to do with the fact that being able to control their bodies definitely gives women more agency and empowerment in their lives. Many men fear losing their historically dominant role and resent the fact that women are catching up to them, and indeed surpassing men in areas like university graduation.
Unplanned pregnancies are a pretty effective way of slowing down education and career paths and are certainly viewed by some men as not only a hindrance to women's advancement, but probably a just punishment for the challenge to men's place.
27
Ms. Richards, thank you for your service. Planned parenthood is an island of sanity in a roiling sea of religious weirdness. I have always appreciated the way everyone in Planned Parenthood has fought for reproductive rights. A century from now, modern secular people will look back and be thankful that people like Ms. Richard were here to keep us from falling back into the dark ages. You're on the right side of history, so a heartfelt thank you!
28
Thank you for honoring this woman and Planned Parenthood. As a lower income student, I used PP. Later as a successful career woman, I accessed PP and paid full dollar. I also donated to PP and will again. PP serves millions of lives humanely and is in touch with the reality of women and their needs. Thank you Cecile. Thank you Planned Parenthood.
33
How can so many people be so wrong about so many things?
Support Planned Parenthood - for women and for the the future of us all.
22
Absolutely, Ms. Collins. Richards for governor of New York. Then, president of the U.S.
If only there were a leader of the united world ... .
19
Planned Parenthood gives women freedom that male politicians would deny them because of their incessant need to control women.
So much of the pro life fixation is based in misogyny, not religion. We see that in the male hypocrites who impregnate girlfriends when they themselves are married--rarely is abortion a problem to fix an unpleasant home scene.
the reason why so much of the antiabortion fever is rooted in misogyny is this insane desire to stamp out sex altogether (for poor women only, of course).
if a politician truly wanted to reduce abortion and unwanted pregnancy, he (usually a he) would be gung go for making birth control education and strategies as low cost and accessible as possible.
That they aren't is simply exhibit A of the total hypocrisy surrounding this issue.
26
I love people who are pro-life until it shoots out of the womb. Then they're pro-death penalty.
Similarly, I love the people who are against the death penalty but are pro-abortion rights.
I believe in what the Book of Deuteronomy says: "Therefore, choose life."
But if we are to choose life, we must be supporters of those who, let's face it, are the main promulgators of life -- women.
And that means birth control that is 100 percent effective. -- thegamesmenplay.com
4
There really are no words sufficient to express the gratitude millions of women and men must feel for Ms. Richards' courage in meeting a long, difficult challenge. Thank you must do. Thank you so much for your dedication, grace and, yes, valor in protecting basic health rights many take for granted for which others would only hope. Thank you.
22
I think it's inaccurate to imply that abortion is as intrinsic to PP as the internet is to Facebook. PP offers many other important services. While abortion is the hot issue that draws attention, is it necessarily the single service that determines the fate of PP?
139
That is a important service for planned parenthood. Sure, tests and screens are important, but why call itself 'planned parenthood' if you're actually not providing such service? Wouldn't that be similar to the false 'pregnancy centers' that lure woman on false pretence while hiding their goal to force woman to carry unwanted pregnancies?
23
Safe, legal, and rare. The goal of PP and rejected by Pence et al. Until their own women become inconveniently impregnated, or at risk of complications/death, or raped. Then safe, legal, and now. Vote them out.
68
Planning parenthood is more about effective contraception than termination of unplanned conceptions.
The most important part of PP's work is the contraceptives particularly the most effective long term one, the IUD. It is very expensive upfront but economical over time. Plus you are not subjecting your entire body to hormones long term.
3
Hate to say it, but the entire concept of "family planning" has failed. I don't have the stats on hand, but I can use my eyes. Would love to see some stats on the "progress" Planned Parenthood made during Cecile's tenure. What stats are tellingly true? Birthrates among poor? Unwanted births?
How does it fail? In 60s there were more than 3.5 births per woman, right now it is close to 2.5. Seems to me the planning does work.
13
Stats are there. Go looking.
6
You don't have the stats on hand. Precisely.
7
“No state shall have regulations limiting reproductive choice more restrictive than that state’s laws regarding access to gun ownership.”
The 28th Amendment.
17
I would say that Ms. Trump-Kushner loves playing the superior aide to the president (who happens to be her father). Intelligence not needed for that job at all. Ms. Richards strikes me as an erudite, intuitive, and caring leader. Savvy and comprehension abound in her personae. Lightweight manipulator vs. the true leader. No comparison.
11
Planned Parenthood has saved millions of lives
and has been an advocate for men and women's health.
So of course Trump and the Republicans want to gut it.
Cecile Richards is a great American
period
678
Planned Parenthood and their well compensated leadership like Ms. Richards leach off federal and state government funding. Whether you are pro-life or pro-choice, the thought that a non-governmental group is entitled to hundreds of millions of tax dollars year after year is corporate welfare at its worst.
1
The Government pays to private doctors and hospitals through Medicare program. Do you consider such arrangement as a corporate welfare? Planned parenthood provides necessary services and gets grants to do so from the Government.
10
There are thousands of non-governmental groups receiving taxpayer money, including drug companies & research companies. Shut them all down.
1
The scale of the payments to a single organization like Planned Parenthood dwarfs individual recipients who provide actual medical services (remember, PP gets paid for thing like referring women to actual doctors). It is also somewhat unique in that it is essentially part of the democratic party and actively works to defeat candidates representing half the country. It has no place on the government teat.
bush may not have tried to "dismantle"
planned parenthood but he did, as others have done, contribute to its erosion...since roe v wade, the right has
taken it cue from the wind and tides, persistent pressure...state by state...a model for a form of constitutional adjustment, if you will, that bypasses article five, the amendment clause, of the constitution.
2
A statistic worth a thousand words: Fifty eight percent favorable, top rating.
I wish some pundit would float that number around on "Fox & Friends." We might get another intemperate call-in from President Trump. I'm sure his blood boils knowing Planned Parenthood has better ratings than him. As noted though, Trump is the worst standard bearer for sexual fidelity ever conceived. Evangelical support for this President makes a mockery of all Christianity. I'm not religious but I know enough about religion to recognize bad faith. If you take for granted the existence of an all knowing supreme being, selectively turning the cheek for political expedience doesn't look so good on judgment day. I have to call that one out.
11
This whole scene needs to be shaken to the bones. Talk about a primitive society. Men sitting in board rooms smoking cigars and talking about “Planned Parenthood” is absurd. I just can’t see any of those kinds of men rocking a cradle, let alone trying to decide how to plan the operation of a family.
Now let’s talk about our so-called Vice President Mike Pense. To me, he’s much more dangerous than Donald Trump. He still imagines a “stork” delivering babies, and what is even more disturbing, he’s terrified when told that “sex” is what caused it. And now, realize that he’s only a heartbeat (or impeachment) away from the presidency. Now that’s scary!
22
Cecile is correct to be worried Gail, I just read George Will`s column in W. Post saying Mike Pence is the worse person in the Government.
Trump became the President by chance and we need to make sure Pence never gets a chance to take over.
14
What good is it conceivably for folks to keep haranguing about Trump and his foibles when they are preaching only to the choir? How about other issues -- like the current decimation of wildlife?
1
Good luck in all you do Cecile, thanks for all you did.
10
Rich Republicans, including those who become Republicans after they get rich and want to get richer, like Donald Trump, seem to feel they are more deserving than ordinary people. They and their families deserve bigger houses. Better educations. Better healthcare. Bigger tax breaks. They can live in nicer areas, go on exotic vacations, eat great food, wear fancy duds, …. heck, if you're rich enough you can have yachts, private planes, and clamoring toadies. Maybe even buy or schmooze your way into an important position that will yield even more riches. They deserve it all.
And they can have sex knowing they can control the number of children they have by whatever means necessary, cure any "personal Vietnams" they're unlucky enough to pick up, and even fly away to foreign countries to indulge in fantasies they would dare to try at home.
The big word is control. They want to control us, right down to our personal lives. It makes them feel the power of their money and positions. Then they can do whatever they want, and occasionally shuffle to church and tell their god about all the bad stuff they're stopping in society. Or rather, our society.
14
Brilliant skewering of the Trump administration! Please add pro-life congressman Tim Murphy trying to force his mistress to have an abortion to the hypocrisy list. Murphy is a member of the House Pro-Life Caucus and was endorsed by anti-abortion group LifePAC. He blamed his pro-life stance on his staff, and denied his public beliefs to try and browbeat her into abortion. So not only was he trying to outlaw abortion and choice - he's was trying to take away her choice to HAVE a baby if she wanted.
You can't make this stuff up - nobody would believe it.
Sick bunch, the whole lot of them.
16
Where is the woman whose abortion Trump paid for? Please come on out and shout it to the world. I have no doubt such a person exists and signed a NDA but it is time to break that agreement. I know a lawyer who would take on your case, and millions, probably, who would help pay for it.
11
I'd love to see her as the Dem's presidential candidate in 2020. Talk about "in your face."
4
The whole abortion issue is a vestige of the male patriarchy that starts with Christian doctrine of the patriarchal Roman Catholic Church and has become one of the political "wedge" issues for the Republican Party. Donald Trump started courting evangelicals years ago to be part of his base when he ran for President; and he has succeeded to the point that they gave him a "mulligan" for his affair with a porn star. This is where we are in America when two immoral acts (unprotected sex and double infidelity on his then playmate mistress and his wife) make a religious right (pun intended). We definitely need strong women like Cecile Richards to champion not only women's legal right to an abortion, but to have control of their own bodies. What we are seeing by the white, mostly male evangelical Christians and their mostly white male Republican backers is, to be blunt, sex slavery.
9
Now if Ms. Richards were challenging Governor Cuomo instead of the inexperienced demagogue Cynthia Nixon, we might be on to something.
Best of luck Cecile. We look forward to your next act scaring the pants off some feckless, incoherent Republican senator somewhere.
334
Both Religion and Politics should be barred from the bedroom.
5
I'm fascinated by the hypocrisy of men who shut down abortion and birth control while letting their libidos roam free. But we have Trump, so there we are. Because abstinence requires **both** sexes to refrain, unless the relationship is homosexual, of course. I doubt Pence is advocating for that.
Being against birth control, against abortion, against sex education, but pro-fornication pretty much demonstrates, without knowing more about the guy, just exactly what he thinks of women.
I'd prefer a world in which birth control was easy, free and effective, and abortion necessary only for pregnancies gone terribly wrong. Cecile Richards recognizes that that ideal world doesn't exist, and gave women options that otherwise they'd not have. She's got to have a spine of steel.
Even though I personally am skeptical of the morality of abortion, I am more skeptical that my belief, or government intervention in women's reproductive decisions, should be the the basis for our law. Women are adults and should have agency over their bodies and their moral decisions.
I applaud Cecile Richards for recognizing women's agency and fighting to protect it.
22
Republicans are against government regulation unless it involves women's bodies and it is less about protecting the unborn than it is subjugating women.
7
Get more women in government & in White House, then require vasectomies for all fertile men. Wouldn’t be a need for birth control or abortions. Any man breaking the law would be punished (just like women who miscarry or have abortion).
Run Cecile Run! We need you - don’t give up on us
9
Th rate of teenage pregnancy is at an all time
low thanks to Planned Parenthood.
If you don't want kids getting pregnant, give them
birth control. It's a no brainer.
Oh that's right, we have a brainless president.
13
Yes please. Get the ineffectual lazy corrupt male blowhards out of Albany. As another reader wrote, it's time for Governor Richards and the women.
1
"For Richards it’s been a stupendously successful run. She’s just published a memoir, “Make Trouble,” in which she writes about her own history of hell-raising, going back to a boycott of the class prayer when she was in grade school."
I find little radical about this, and I find little radical about Planned Parenthood. I can't imagine what she could write that would paint her as a reformer.
Remember when Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol was out campaigning for abstinence education? She was an excellent choice because she had gotten pregnant out-of-wedlock and gave birth. In an unguarded moment, Bristol blurted out that abstinence wasn't the best birth control method. Then she got pregnant---again---without the benefit of marriage. Republicans seem to have this simplistic mindset. Nancy Reagan's solution to the drug problem was "Just Say No." You can't make these people up.
14
I will say it again: republicans are against making birth control affordable; if a woman gets pregnant, they don't want her to have an abortion; ironically,they don't see prenatal care as an essential health benefit and they are profoundly uninterested in making sure that the resulting child gets a good education and lives in an environment that is free of toxic chemicals and has clean air and water. Hypocrisy writ large.
10
I’d be curious to know how many of these holier-than-thou politicians and anti-abortion people practice what they preach. It’s interesting that most of them only have one or two children. Is it because they abstain?
6
Oh no, April. Abstinence-only advocates go on 'vacation' to get tanned, rested and have their accidental pregnancy aborted.
The rest of us get shamed and judged and legally prevented from help.
4
I just had a wonderful vision -- Press Secretary Gail Collins' daily briefing for President Richards.
7
Solutions to unwanted pregnancies and effective birth control are REAL human problems, as old as humanity itself. Religious decrees against individual reproductive decisions are not realistic; they are fantastical mandates subjugating and oppressing women and families. They unnaturally seek to control human instincts and desires as articles of faith.
Government has no business validating and forcing religious reproductive nonsensical beliefs of those in political power on citizens who not only have individual rights to worship, or not, but have the right to individually plan how they reproduce, or not.
Mandated sexual abstinence - eliminating sources and resources for reproductive planning - would be about as effective as Prohibition.
398
As an old man who donates to Planned Parenthood, permit me a seemingly sexist digression.
Cecile Richard is not only smart as a whip and brave, just like her mom, she is a knockout. In politics, as in most pursuits, it doesn’t hurt to be physically attractive. It isn’t a crime.
Cecile Richard would be a formidable candidate for office in New York. Then, after winning and serving, she’d still be young enough to run nationally.
Cecile is like Jennifer Granholm without the misfortune of having been born in Canada.
255
Some interesting statistics at the two web site listed below.
Bottom line: teenage pregnancies in this country have been declining for decades. The CDC suggests that both abstinence and birth control are the reasons. Surely, PP deserves more than a bit of credit for the decline.
A most amazing map of teenage pregnancy per 1000 can be seen at the HHS web site.
https://www.cdc.gov/teenpregnancy/about/index.htm
https://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-development/reproductive-health-a...
2
One alternative to safe legal abortion availability - leave the unwanted babies on the front steps of the evangelical dominionist churches, and of course put the mother in a for-profit prison.
Another option for poor women is a high risk, illegal abortion like we used to have back when America was 'great'.
The wealthy can always take a vacation to some progressive pro-choice country, visit a "weight reduction spa", and return home without that unsightly and unwanted 'baby bump'.
5
With all the chaos created by the Trump administration while he caters to the 30 to 40% of Americans and their rabid hypocrisy, we now know Trump's price.
Novartis gave $1.2 million, AT&T only gave $600K. Look who won. Novartis gets Trump's support while AT&T's merger with TW is denied. So, $1 million or more it is. Now, how did Cohen funnel that money to Trump?
I hope Richards has the energy to run for office at the national level. She is priceless.
6
I love Cecile Richards. She is one of my heroes. I have watched her (for 12 years now) put up with the most horrible accusations, ignorance, lies and slander all with class, intelligence and aplomb. The backward conservatives in this country want to take women back to when we had no rights, no autonomy and no control over our destiny. It has nothing to do with "saving babies", it's all about hatred for women - and that's all it's ever been about. And there's such seething hatred for women now, it's all out in the open along with the racism and homophobia.
I can understand why she wants to take a step down, how exhausting it must be being a voice for women in a country that wants anything to do with women's rights and autonomy destroyed. I'm exhausted too, as are all women of a certain age, we've put up with this garbage (insert another word here) all our lives. I wish Ms. Richards the best, and I thank her from the bottom of my heart.
After reading this, I will make an online donation to Planned Parenthood. I encourage those who care about women to do the same.
539
Don't you think their own Puritanical sexual shame is at the root of the virulent opposition to free access to birth control? I And such an American phenomenon, really. It's so obvious that men (and women) who feel this messianic need to control the bodies and activities of all women, worldwide, lack the practicality to see that birth control choice is good for humankind. These "religious" ideologues strike me as the true hedonists.
44
I’m not so sure they hate women, but I’m thoroughly convinced they fear them.
31
I've been making a monthly donation since a year ago this past November. Not a coincidence.
19
Thank you, Cecile. Unfortunately, I’ve seen many lives needlessly ruined because of poor family planning (probably brought on by churchy, Trump-y ideas). Planned Parenthood has done wonders for raising Americans’ quality of life - it’s crazy that the president’s daughter/advisor would be so oblivious to the necessity of such a program. I’m completely depressed by the political climate this last year, but reading about someone who has been working diligently for the health/happiness of women/children leaves me more hopeful. Please keep it up!
6
If only it were that simple. I always wonder where the "father" is in these situations. Pro life zeros in on the woman. Where is the father in this situation.
11
PP is for those women who's man has flown the coop. and there are many, mostly poor and in need of understanding help.
Not every unwanted pregnancy is caused by an Elliot Broidy who only needs to call Michael Cohen for some quick cash to get rid of an unwanted pregnancy (and the publicity) for a Playboy bunny he impregnated in his spare time.
9
Thinking the George W era was a good time is a scary thought but she is right.
This has nothing to do with abortion politics - all this prochoice/prolife euphemisms need to stop - because it is difficult to legislate such a profound choice affecting people for life. Especially this is the 21st Century.
If one has to take a side, the social reactionaries are the bully here. They are imposing their worldview on to others. Religions tend to be against abortion in general terms but some are more enlightened than others for kindness and compassion are the key. The social reactionaries are cruel and heartless!
That leads to the George W era when Karl Rove, the architect of the W presidency, built the unholy alliance between the religious fundamentalists and the financial narcissists, forever transformed the Republican Party, a.k.a., the Grand Obstruction Party in the Obama era... And now just a total sellout in the Trump era
8
Here’s Donald Trump chatting up Howard Stern, explaining that his efforts to avoid STD’s for years, while engaging in promiscuous and unprotected sex, was a lot like serving bravely in Vietnam.
“STERN: Now getting back to dating, and when you got to say to a woman, you gotta go to my personal doctor and I'm gonna have you checked out, is that a tough thing to say to a woman?
TRUMP: It's amazing, I can't even believe it. I've been so lucky in terms of that whole world.
It is a dangerous world out there.
It's like Vietnam, sort of.
STERN: Hey it's your personal Vietnam isn't it?
TRUMP: It is my personal Vietnam.
I feel like a great and very brave soldier!”
What a guy. A guy’s guy. For Trump, and friends, women are essentially “poke meat.”
Republicans chose Trump as their leader.
No further comment.
Except a footnote: Cecile Richards has got my vote for just any office she might, in time, aspire to occupy.
51
Abstinence-only, and anti-choice folks should be required to volunteer for CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) and see first-hand the wreckage, pain and dysfunction produced when women are forced to have children they don't want and that their extended families cannot reasonably care for. CASA advocates for children who are neglected and abused, and documents what what happens outside the courtroom to help determine what's best for the children. Often, the dysfunction is generational, and there are no good options, meaning society will long bear the cost of mistreated, unwanted kids. Members of the abstinence-only crowd wear blinders to the reality of life without contraception and choice. They need to deal with what really happens under their ideology.
35
If you look at this administration's position not as "stopping abortion" but rather as "punishing poor people who have sex" plus "oppressing women," it makes a lot more sense. Stopping voluntary abortion and making birth control less accessible accomplishes both ends. Obviously, if it were about reducing the demand for abortion, birth control would be supported front and center. But that isn't what is happening. Actually reducing abortion won't help them stay in power; posturing about it, on the other hand, will.
It's not about Planned Parenthood's clientele as people, it's about them as a mass that can be shamed, thus putting a moral floor of sorts under the Republican base. The base will always be better than THOSE people. It's not about the Republican base as people, either, since they too are a mere means to ends that serve the interests of the few.
The ultimate goal is to keep political and economic power out of the hands of people who could potentially succeed in taking power away from the interests that have put this gang into office. Making birth control and reproductive health care more accessible enables poor people and women to have more control over their lives and not be in constant survival mode trying to provide for kids they didn't intend to have. Having choices in life, having time to get more education and finish growing up, having more income and more personal independence, makes them more of a political and economic force, which is threatening.
44
People who treat the word "liberal" as an epithet are implacable foes of liberty.
9
Choice is the law of the land. If you say you are pro life, show it by being an advocate of health care for all, against death penalty, for child care, for pre kindergarten, for affordable student loans. and against war.
52
The only reason for defunding PP is if the US were to fully implement a single payer healthcare system in which comprehensive birth control and abortion services are offered as requested by anyone. Until we live in that time, Planned Parenthood is irreplaceable and must remain fully funded.
35
Deciding to have a child in today's environment is a major life project. Instead of promoting abstinence, which is not consistent with the reality of today's life, why not make contraceptives free or at reduced price.
20
The human "soul" is the software we develop for ourselves by trial and error to cope the contexts of our lives, after birth. It is recorded in the structures of our brains, and does not survive death. A fetus has not yet developed a soul, for want of autonomous experience of life.
13
Can't she run for Congress. They could really use a smart woman. One with common sense, a sense of morality and feet planted on the ground.
I know what her campaign slogan can be.
"If you take away my Reproductive Rights, can I take away yours?" Or better still, "No more Viagra for Congressmen,"
27
What a drag it is to live in a country where people implacably demand legislation to make their own hang-ups universal.
31
I suggest going off Broadway first. She could open in Boston.
I wish the press would start challenging the “funding” Big Lie by the GOP. PP is not “funded” in any budgetary sense. It is not NASA, the CDC, or PBS. It is an authorized service provider that is “paid” (not funded) for services provided, in the same manner that your personal doctor is paid for treating Medicare patients she might have.
39
Thank you, Ms. Richards, for your hard work in supporting women's reproductive health/rights. We won't go back!
20
Fondly remembering Ann Richards, hopefully as a politician Cecile would be just as funny -- and effective.
16
How wonderful to imagine a Congress made up of experts, like Cecile Richardson who know the complexities of real world problems, intelligently discussing best ways to make a difference for real world citizens.
690
We won't get that until we take the attractive nuisance of religion out of politics. We are mired in specious faith-based beliefs and the passions of those who hold them to make them universal.
85
The war on women has expanded with Pence and Trump. 19 women accused Trump of assault, and with the reveal of a large slush fund, in part financed by Russians, Cohen's role as dispenser of hush money and shut up legal agreements with fake names suggests more to come. Mr. Avenatti, Gloria Allred and others are enjoying that aspect of the presidency.
The largest protest in American history was the march by women after Trump's meager inauguration. Now women are running for Democratic office across the country.
I look forward to voting for one of the two highly qualified women candidates for Georgia governor in the primary. Stacey Abrams has a law degree from Yale and extensive state government experience.
The leading GOP candidate is a white male radical right person with no college degree. His election will chill the business environment in Georgia given his success at denying one of Georgia's largest employers Delta a tax break due to the NRA, and his attempts to force police in the state to expand their responsibilities to immigration enforcement and harm agriculture by scaring away migrant labor. Georgia's rightward cliff hanging includes anti-abortion efforts and low funded hospitals ending childbirth services, harming women's health.
These are Trumpian times, and I suspect the unfit unqualified white man will win. Voting for a qualified woman will still be deeply satisfying. Viva la difference!
50
Stacy Abrams is impressive and she’ll be getting my vote. Come on, Georgia! Let’s join the 21st century!
3
Talking about abuse done to women.....
Suppression of abortion right might surpass them all....
23
Pro-lifers aren't at all, they are pro-fetus. Once you are born you are on your own. We are an incredibly ignorant country, I think our time at the front of the parade is over.
Maybe that's a good thing.
40
As O'Brien said in Orwell's novel "1984" -> 'Ignorance is strength.'
7
Cecile Richards for President in 2020! She has the nous, experience, brilliance and genes from her mother, Ann Richards, former Governor of Texas, and now that she's a New Yorker - she can make it anywhere! That Mike Pence, Trump's sychophantic veep, is opposed to Planned Parenthood in his Hoosier state is enough of a viral endorsement for her candidacy as our next president. Kudos and laurels, Cecile - we're in your corner now, holding the bucket and towels and know you will come shining through! Planned Parenthood, started by Margaret Sanger, followed by Dr. Alan Guttmacher's work last century, is a blessing for American women of all ages and races and colours. Cecile Richards will "Make Trouble" for those who oppose her -- for the execrable Republican Party, and those macho men who would put paid to 'upstart' women. We fervently hope Ms. Richards will run for the highest office in our land, and the sooner the better. The whited sepulchers of Trump's execrable misogyny will crumble and fall like the walls of Jericho. Just you wait, Mike Pence, just you wait!
27
“Ivanka, Richards recalled, also felt ‘I didn’t appreciate’ her father’s supportiveness during the presidential debates."
Jared--get with it! You’re supposed to be settling peace in the Middle East--Move it!
I wander if Jared even understands the biology of reproduction. As a doc I have HAD to sit down with newly married couples and explain how “babies are made.” He has that same dumbfounded look on his face that these couples did.
No one has yet to figure out what either one does in the WH. I loved it when they showed placards at a WH luncheon when no one could figure out Ivanka’s title so they left the card blank under her name.
If 90 million registered voters had BOTHERED to vote November, 2016, we would have blithely lived the rest of our lives having NO idea how truly awful and dumb Trump and his spawn are.
52
The only expression on his face that I've ever seen is a smug smirk.
2
As Gail says, Cecile Richards has earned the right to step down from the fight after many years. But, again, we see a good, honorable person tired and fed up of fighting small, nasty, cruel people over whether people in need can get health care services. It is in many ways like the ACA fight--they want to kill all of Planned Parenthood while having zero interest or ideas about how to replace it, and no empathy whatsoever about the people who will suffer greatly when it is gone.
Among other things, one that frustrates me most about today's Republicans, with Planned Parenthood being a good example, is the downright pleasure they seem to take from doing things they know will hurt people. And it is especially ironic when they do it in the name of God, to please an Evangelical base who has proven to be the biggest bunch of bible-thumping hypocrites ever to set foot in a church. Their mantra: Love the fetus, but take the food stamps and medical services from him and his mother after he is born.
I hope Cecile Richards follows her trailblazing mother by being elected governor of her home state and opening a Planned Parenthood office on the first floor of the governor's mansion.
36
The absolutely PUNITIVE harsh uber controlling nature of Republican policies is sure on display these days--and behind all the finger wagging the out of control indulgence of Pruitt, Manuchin, Trumps. A really ugly combination.
6
Jack Sonville, "Downright pleasure" in cruelty is right! The gleeful smirk of Jeff Sessions in CA when he announced his new policy of separating children from their parents said it all.
7
Actually, Bush tried to dismantle family planning in Africa.
9
Give us a break a career politician whose used her family influence to get where she was drain the Trump swamp and her too. & How courageous for the governor's daughter to protest anything
2
A spirit in the mold of Ann Richards, Jim Hightower--the real populists--would be a breath of fresh air. You go, Cecile!
18
These cute little vignettes of the Trump universe just aren't funny any more.
4
George H.W.Bushes father was an early supporter of PP
14
"No, you can't deny women their basic rights and pretend it's about your "religious freedom.' If you don't like birth control don't use it. Religious freedom doesn't mean you can force others to live by your own beliefs."--Barack Obama
Two thumbs up President Obama. Two thumbs up Cecile Richards. Thank you for many years standing up for women's rights.
75
Her Mama would be so proud!
24
When the dust finally settles on this administration, as it does with every administration - but mostly this one that has eaten away at the very soul of a once proud nation - the individual we will remember longest is not one even connected with the administration or even a politician. It will most certainly be Gail Collins. It was Gail who showed us time and time again that retaining one's sense of humor is the surest and safest antidote to a a bazaar and unsteady president and his "likeness minions."
And her subject of this column - Cecile Richard's has her own humor pedigree whose mother Ann could easily qualify for a stint on SNL when she echoed her humorous touch with her elder Bush comment about "being born with a silver foot in his mouth."
Humor is the one thing that must be retained to outlast the plague we are living through.
20
Gail's humor will chop down that beanstalk every time.
1
This article, as many others, gives the impression that the reason Planned Parenthood is attacked by conservatives is because it provides birth control and other services helpful for women, and but because it provides abortions, that are the killing of a human baby. And no, the right of the mother to choose is not superior to the right of the baby to live, primarily because the baby is a separate body and because the mother had the opportunity to choose before, when she decided to have unprotected sex.
A fetus completely dependent on its mother's body for its continued existence is hardly "a separate body".
13
Are you a Roman Catholic?
1
So you are fully supportive of Planned Parenthood's and others' promotion of preventive healthcare including contraception. You understand that pregnancy is not punishment and that it does not always result from a 'choice.' Given those facts, you are grateful for the support and defense of women's health Ms. Richards and Planned Parenthood offer women. Right?
7
Cecile Richards cannot be congratulated too often for her grace under pressure during her years as President of Planned Parenthood. The amazing ignorance of the reproductive systems of human bodies by legislative groups which try and try again to "defund" a heath resource for millions of women is astounding; Ms. Richards works tirelessly to confront ignorance with education and destroys myths about sex with facts from evidence-based studies. Those of us who have been donors large and small to regional Planned Parenthood groups as well as the national umbrella organization will miss Ms. Richards, but hope her voice remains a strong part of conversations in the US.
Irony seems too tepid a word to be applied to any Trump policy about sex. Ms. Collins, you are so correct to ask readers to stop and think about the Trump administration promoting abstinence as the best practice for preventing pregnancy or assigning this "mission" to Mike Pence.
16
Trump saying that millions of women were helped by Planned Parenthood is actually one of the few truths he has spoken. Why should he deserve any praise for this? Everyone knows it is true.
4
Republicans are masters at wrapping themselves in conflicting positions. I don't know how they do it, but the basis seems to be Christianity. They do this with guns, war, protecting the environment, helping the poor, understanding immigration and on and on. These absolutist positions are nauseating. No one likes abortions - but sometimes they are required. No one likes war - but sometimes they need to happen. No one likes poverty, but we have a moral imperative to help, not shun. Seems to be opposite of what I recall from my young upbringing and Christian confirmation process. I must misunderstand the teachings of Jesus, which is seen through an entirely different lens by this current crop of God loving Republicans. Cecile Richards has done a tremendous job running Planned Parenthood. It's no wonder she is ready for change.
12
The part about the congressman calling Cecile Richards a criminal. I thought you had to know the established law to comment from Congress. Usually the representatives are thought to be respected members of the bar, or at least attorneys, in order to avoid chew marks on their brogans. I see this problem everywhere and it boils down to promotion of incompetent fire-breathers who have practiced cracking the whip to increase profit in some way. At GM one of the transient managements halted all promotion from within, in order to break established culture. Divisions became nameplates. We began to notice that supervisors didn't know the contract---they start by minimizing OSHA protocol---and could easily be stymied, for sheer fun, by the shop contract wizard or the committee-person. Passive aggressive sport it's true, but amusing and entertaining, as well as time consuming (Ross Perot said idle chatter was the biggest waste of productive time--agreeing with Henry Ford). This arrangement being programmed for failure, top managers were soon justified in rattling the cages of the hapless middle echelon, booting and reassigning them before their 'vestment.' It's all done by org charts and efficiency experts from Harvard School of Business. These jokers apparently don't feel they have any reputation to defend so why bother. It's true, I don't remember the irate congressperson's name or if you even mentioned it. A characteristic of the hollow man.
3
Since the likes of Pence and other fundamental Christians have such opposition to abortion, here's a question - show us your solution? By that I mean what structures and support are you going to put in place for women with unwanted pregnancies? How will you support them financially and as care givers when they have to return to work post birth? Careful now, it's a lifetime commitment rearing children but if abortion is so ghastly to their faith, it's beholden on them to set up and fund their alternative. Demonstrating outside clinics, bullying and shaming women is pure religiosity and has zero credibility or value to society. It just keeps these zealots in self-righteous purity.
Next time a pro-lifer starts demanding rights over another person's choice, ask them what are they personally prepared to commit in denying that said choice. In demanding change, they should also buy the problem and responsibilities that go with it. I estimate that each would have to commit at least 20 hours a week to child rearing perhaps more through adoption for 16-18 years. Put your values where your mouths are and show us your plan.
821
There is no solution to this issue. The acceptance by one side of the other's position relies on a sacrifice of fundamental belief. Society will be struggling with this 200 years from now.
2
Well, it's not "better off dead", the mantra of the left. It's called taking responsibility, like billions of families around the world have through human history. It's not that hard, stop fear mongering about little children. Some of the very best have come from "difficult" circumstances. Life is all about dealing with challenges. Killing is not the answer.
I'm pro-justice, not pro-life per se, -- I think killing one innocent human being for the (economic ) convenience of another is not justice, rather the ultimate injustice. All innocent life is sacrosanct irrespective which side of the birth canal you happen to be on.
2
Personalizing and honoring the law must be the answer. We must respect individual belief's and be able to stop struggle through agreement to disagree. Would I have an abortion? Not likely, but I will not deny another's right to it. We must defend legal rights.
As a pro-life woman, I must admit I will not miss Cecile Richards and am glad she is leaving Planned Parenthood. Why do we need this facility whose main occupation is performing 330,000 abortions per year. They make a small fortune to end the lives of their innocent victims.
There are many pregnancy centers that are far superior to Planned Parenthood and offer a wide variety of services excluding abortions. Let's stop funding Planned Parenthood and give the $500,000 to these worthwhile centers instead. Let those who support Planned Parenthood contribute to this organization themselves. Our tax dollars should not be going to this organization which provides abortions on demand and ends the lives of unsuspecting victims. This is a travesty.
22
I am a Pro-life woman too. I am also a believer that I have no right to impose my beliefs on another person, including my religious beliefs.
Planned Parenthood is just about what it is called. Planning your family. It is also more about advice concerning Women's health and valuable cancer screening as well as many other services.
You need to have an open mind about what Planned Parenthood is really about. It is about Women's health issues not abortion. It is about health education for women.
249
If the only option a woman has is to continue a pregnancy, that is the option she must choose. And trust in God to take care of everything.
Every pregnancy is a potential risk to a woman's health. Some of the risks are trivial, but some are life-threatening. Because of this, if no other reason, early term abortions should be legal and easy to get.
I do recognize the rationale that life begins at birth. If you believe that, you will make certain choices and that's your right and responsibility. I do not share that belief and reject absolutely your right to decide what a woman's options will be.
My taxes go for a lot of things of which I disapprove. I don't get to make the choice of which things to fund. The same should be true for abortion. It should be legal, safe and rare. Planned Parenthood contributes to making it that.
168
Where in the world did you get the idea that abortion is Planned Parenthood's "main occupation?" Abortion services represent 3% of PP's services, none of it paid for by tax dollars. Their major focus is pregnancy prevention through education and birth control, along with a full spectrum of women's health services.
If you really wanted to prevent abortions you'd design a program to prevent unwanted pregnancies, and it would look exactly like Planned Parenthood.
367
Donald Trump touting abstinence is like listening to a lion making the case for being a vegetarian.
20
Ivanka Trump reminds me of Marie Antoinette when she had an idealized hamlet (minus the dirt, disease and poverty) built on the grounds of Versailles so she could play at being a dairymaid or shepherdess -albeit a more expensively dressed one- to relieve her boredom.
Ivanka Trump playing advocate for women’s reproductive rights, particularly for the poorest women, is about as convincing as Marie Antoinette was playing “peasant.” Her hypocrisy is only rivaled by her father’s.
788
There have been a lot of patricians who have advocated for the poor. The Kennedy family, FDR, and John Kerrey among them. Americans like royalty as much as the British -- our favorite woman of the past 50 years is Lady Di. If the Queen wants to protect your reproductive rights, I suggest accepting the offer. Abortions for the poor are badly needed. And I'm quite sure the poor would accept them from Ivanka or anyone else.
8
Dear michjas,
Thank you for your comment and you make a good point about America throughout its history having produced wealthy patrician families who actually seemed keenly aware of their own good fortune compared to others and engaged in useful philanthropy of all kinds to help those less fortunate and give back to society. However the Trump family’s philanthropy, as epitomized by the scandal-riven and now defunct Trump “charitable”Foundation, seems entirely self-directed.
1
Translation: Ivanka Trump ain't Diana Spencer.
brava cecile....and many happy returns. let's hope.
8
I have always held that good information about, and acess to birth control would reduce unwanted pregnancies. I also feel that government has no role in telling us what we can and cannot do with our bodies. If the republicans 'win' this fight to strip women (and men) of their rights to control their own bodies, then one day, maybe in 20, or 50 years, the government will mandate abortions. Hands off!
5
Yes! I agree completely. Once I say yes to government influencing my private decisions about my body, all bets are off; the right to privacy is the last shield against government intrusion...and that applies to men as well. Of course men have no idea what government 'intrusion' on their bodies could possibly mean. To me, the very idea men have anything to say about the matter is gross.
3
To promote 'abstinence only' by this administration is a very sick joke - played upon mostly poor women. But then, it's always and only about control over women. It never was about anything else. I salute Cecile Richards and hope she will continue to be a champion of women's freedom to choose for a long time to come.
560
Cecile Richards would make a wonderful President. I met her mother years ago at a luncheon and she was so lovely and gracious and her daughter has followed in her footsteps !!
33
I would love for Ms. Richards to run for president. She is amazing and yes, PP saved my life so years later I could raise a wonderful child when I had the means.
31
It is painful to watch Democrats/Liberals these days, especially since I am proudly liberal and grateful to live in a progressive nation in a more and more progressive world. They are like children whose park has been converted into a railway yard, and they are in denial of it despite the obvious clanking and hooting around them.
The Republicans have been organizing since the '60s, starting with Goldwater and Nixon, and now control all 3 branches of the Federal government, most governorships and legislatures across the country. They are now filling the courts with their mediocre ideologues, and making our economy more and more along the lines of a feudal system. And the Democrats and Liberals or Progressives, or whatever term they keep rehashing to avoid the Right's branding them, are busy living the life of Riley, holding fundraiser parties, raising money, talking way too much to the media opportunists, etc. while the country is in bad shape.
One day very soon we will wake up to a Constitutional Amendment banning Abortions, and a whole host of Civil Rights protections, just because the Conservatives/Republicans have been working towards the 2/3rds majority needed to make it happen. That most of them are doing it just out of religious dogma indoctrinated when they were children will not matter as they trash the work of millions over decades. And the Liberals will be quoting pointless statistics about this or that and pretending everything is fine.
Sad, indeed.
6
Trump is just sore that Planned Parenthood did not have a "How to pay your mistress without violating any laws" class when he most needed it.
Add that and funding will follow.
7
The US has extremely high rates of teen pregnancies, teen abortions, teen births, and maternal deaths. Half of US pregnancies are unintended. That sounds like Unplanned Parenthood to me.
8
Abortion rights are probably the most controversial of issues out there. If that's what you dedicate your life to, you have to love the good fight. Compromise is definitely not your thing. It's all about knowing you're right and getting your way. As Ms. Collins says, Ms. Richards is all about "making trouble." That may work in abortion rights. But if that's what you want in a politician, that reflects an attitude that politics are war. There is a right and a wrong and you only do business with those on your side. I'll go for consensus building . I've had enough of war these past ten years.
4
Planned Parenthood provides valuable health services for women who would otherwise not receive care. I salute Ms. Richards for a job well done and for speaking up for those whose voice is ignored in the halls of government.
66
I proudly support Planned Parenthood as one of the most vital women’s health support organizations in this country. They have helped me, my family and countless friends and loved ones take care of themselves by providing basic women’s health services and helping us make safe, smart choices when there were no other affordable options for us. It is a debt that I will work to pay forward the rest of my life. Thank you for your service, Ms. Richards. I too will help fight for PP and vote for a slate that reflects their mission: educating women about the importance of taking care of your health first and foremost.
55
"I think I speak for many state residents" -- You sure do! Cecile Richards for U.S. Senate!
46
I wish to change my nomination. Cecile Richards for Governor!
18
I have several vulgar but realistic thoughts as I read this, but first:
Cecile Richards for Congress, what an amazingly wonderful idea. Challenging the status quo indeed!
The vast majority of PP activity is whole-family health care, mothers, fathers, babies, and a range of affordable health care.
Has everyone forgotten coathanger and dangerous back alley abortions? Abortions should be safe, legal, and rare. That means ready access to contraception, since there's little chance kids (or adult Republicans, for that matter, or men making excuses for treating women as objects) are going to practice abstinence (just consider Bristol Palin).
Trump is said not to like using protection himself. He's too set on indulging himself to have any consideration for the woman. Will "pro-lifers" be fine when (not if) they find out he insisted the women he impregnated get abortions and pay for it themselves? (like the Mexicans and that wall)
Hypocrites, whited sepulchers, worshipers of the prosperity gospel but not the teachings of Jesus. Casters of first stones. Moneychangers in the temple.
The criminalization of poverty proceeds apace. They'd like to outlaw Democrats too. The minority, as long as they're in the majority, is not to be heard. As soon as they lose, they'll be clamoring to be heard as the disloyal opposition.
We are not progressing, we are regressing.
220
Planned Parenthood facilities have been closing around the country due to the successful efforts of pro-life groups. We have been progressing thanks to the determination of folks who see abortion as evil and destructive to both mother and child. We will continue our efforts to end this culture of death that has prevailed for far too long in our society. All lives matter especially those that are in the womb and cannot defend themselves.
2
Everybody who is honest with themselves knows the Right in America is lost and corrupted to the core. But what matters is what happens from that knowledge. Liberals are smug and superior, whether we mean to be so or not, and the Conservatives vote and vote with fervor.
In 2016, all Hillary had to do was remind everyone what life was like in October 2008, and ask, "Are you better off now?" Then she just had to remind them when they were getting ready to pull the lever or push the button in the voting booth, they might pause to ask themselves what they are doing - who can keep their children safe and secure of a prosperous future? The experienced and patient woman or the intemperate, dissembling, philandering conman? She would have won in a landslide.
Instead she fumbled in every way possible, physically, intellectually, verbally - be it the deplorables comment or put coal miners out of a job comment or not rasing the real accomplishments of the Democrats from 2009 onwards. Women, white women in particular, asked themselves who will keep their children safe from terrorists, and convinced themselves a woman cannot do it and they needed a man and voted Trump. Not in a landslide, but just enough for him to win, and that is all that is needed.
So celebrating our moral superiority needs to take a distant backseat to winning votes and elections and being in the driver's seat in government. We need majorities for that, and some fervor and a lot of discipline.
8
Bravo, Susan. Bravo.
13
She would make a fantastic replacement for Chuck Schumer, who is the least effective Senate Minority leader in history! Then she could run for President. Cecile Richards is tough as nails, bright and articulate, a very effective leader and incredibly likable. She is badly needed in some other prominent role on the national scene.
66
And, she has the heritage of being Texas' late great feminist governor Ann Richards' daughter! ~ what a legacy there indeed.
6
My mother was a solid Republican and donated to Planned Parenthood so many years ago. Those were the good old days.
73
My mother and father were Boston Democrats until they moved to the NYC area in the mid 1960's and then became staunch Republicans. The Democrats were far too liberal for their taste. They were active in the pro-life movement and is why I am now a participant.
1
If you are " pro life"
Than you would support the lives of women who receive healthcare
from PP. there is nothing " pro life" about taking away health care and preventing unwanted pregnancies.
In fact that stance is " pro death",
2
So your parents changed their views not because they learned something new, but because they met some people they did not care for and so they changed their political worldview? Hmmm... maybe you are giving your parents short-shrift?
Either way, if one's motivation to like or dislike an idea is because of their feelings about others who are espousing or opposing said idea, one is showing very poor judgment indeed. Unless one's moral compass is broken and needs to use others are references to get their directions.
I dont get the pro life, abstenance only education, lets not give easy access to birth control types. You cant have it both ways. Growing up in the 90s in WA, our sex ed was extremely comprehensive. We studied the different types of birth control, how they work, the (real!) failure rates for all types, and how to use them correctly. We were also told that the only way for sure you can avoid an STD or pregnancy was to be abstinent, but if youre going to do it, heres how you do it safely.
We also were told Friday was the free/sliding scale day at the local planned parenthood, and you could ask for assistance with appointments if needed.
And guess what? It worked. There was about 6 pregnancies in my HS class of 340 people (in an economically depressed area) over 3 years. Planned Parenthood allowed me to make responsible informed decisions about my sex life as a teen, as well as providing basic gynocological exams.
Contrast that with people I know from Indiana who was basically lied to, told birth control and condoms dont work and basically were attempted to be scared into being abstinent.
They had on average 6 to 10 pregancies a year in a HS class of 275 or so people. In that area, most people had a child by 21.
If you dont want people to have abortions, you have to make sex education and birth control comprehensive and easily accessable. Trying to convince humans to not have sex has never, and will never work. Helping Planned Parenthood *will* work.
175
Good comment, raix. Except for your seeming to link those who are anti-abortion [pro-abstinence, anti-birth-control] to being "pro-life". This is a misnomer hijacked by those opposed to a woman's right to choose, and who would endanger people's lives by making abortion illegal. Pro-life? I don't think so.
14
Thank you for an excellent and informative comment. Wisdom goes missing in these discussions.
5
Oh, yes, on the one hand it will be hard to see Cecile Richards leave Planned Parenthood, but, to quote a new hero for the anti-Trumpers, "Lordie," would I like to see this lady shaking up the halls of Congress! In your mind's eye, just imagine the facial expressions on the likes of Ted Cruz or that creep Nunes. (Yes, folks, they will become, shall we say, even more cringe-worthy.)
Now re Trump... This philanderer, adulterer, father of 5 - and how many more one would wonder - is against abortion and our tax dollars going toward birth control, from the pill to diaphragms to IUDs. This man of many loves and affairs is trumpeting abstinence. I can assure you as a married Catholic, it ain't going to work. So, we continue our fight against this Congress and administration. But, hey, I've got a suggestion...let's find a way to deny these guys their Viagra. Voila, problem number one solved.
136
Hear, hear.
13
“Trump’s Department of Health and Human Services is being stuffed with people who appear to believe that the only good birth control is abstinence.”
Tell that to Donald. He’d look cute holding a aspirin between his knees...
50
You have to give everybody a chance?
Everybody except unborn babies, it seems.
2
The whole point is to prevent pregnancies so that abortion becomes rare.
In states that support birth control and sex education, the liberal ones, unwanted pregnancies and abortions are fewer per capita than red states who stop birth control and sex education.
So we do give more people a chance. Unlike red states that take away people's chances.
10
Too bad that "pro-lifers" cease caring once a child is born. Look at the state of public education in red states.
15
The GOP and the Trumpeters give 100 % to the unborn, but find many, many nefarious ways to violate the already-born babies and children. The very worst is happening as we read and write - removing babies and infants from their undocumented parents looking for safety in the good old US of A and then placing them with "foster" parents. Bah, Humbug!
9
What do you expect from the man who thinks that family planning is reading the centerfolds to pick your next wife?
32
Very sad, this woman has no shame. Abortion is simply, poor, and black population control. Scared Right? Oh, I forgot, the right to not have a baby with someone you are having sex with.
2
Not true. Abortion is a right not a requirement. No one forces anyone to have an abortion, poor, black, or not.
If, however, the anti-choicers get their way, and give the government the power to control a woman's reproductive choices, that knife cuts both ways. Giving it the power to force women to have children also gives it the power to prevent them from having children.
190
Actually it has always been the rich who have been able to get abortions. Poor people can't afford them. And while poverty increases birth rates, being black is not the issue, whites have many abortions.
And yes it is about the right not to get pregnant. Which is also easier to stop for the rich and not the poor.
30
And you base your statements on what facts?
16
Dear Gail -
I'm still stopped at your pause-part, at irony #1 on how those trying to stop abortion also want to ban ways to avoid it, like birth control. This led me to contemplation re irony #2 - that once the foetus stage is over, and a child is born, then any further right to life (meaning quality of living) is of no interest whatsoever.
78
Yes. But you missed the part about how only rich married people are supposed to have sex!
7
The whole idea that Trump is head of an anti-abortion agenda only makes sense if it's seen as another way to subjugate women and the men who can't or won't understand reproduction.
So I propose that Planned Parenthood rebrand itself as Unplanned Parenthood or Totally Against Sex Completely and Always, For Good! In this age of misinformation and propaganda that we're being forced to bow to, just utter lies, one after another, the rebranding will be missed because it follows the same pattern as our current govt. Anything goes.
Seems like we have to fight lies with more lies, no? I think we're headed for an epic failure, sort of like attacking France and England, then invading Russia just before winter without preparing for a winter siege. Napoleon's follies come to mind as well.
Will a war with Iran be that folly? The Iranians held off Saddam Hussein for years even as the US assisted Hussein with info for gassing the Kurds and the Iranian soldiers. We denied them arms and they still resisted Hussein.
I don't believe we should give in and adopt their methods so we have to counter the lies with proof. We have to say we told them so before and remind them afterwards.
Trump understands sex so he just doesn't care, the uber nihlist.
5
Would someone please dig up some dirt on the Donald wherein he has paid for abortions from one or more of his sexual escapades? I'm thinking there would be NDAs associated with them as well. Although I'm not sure the evangelicals would even blink.
53
Having females access quality education & career opportunities, alongside preventive birth control (from 5-year shots to freezing eggs while getting tubally ligated) and disease prevention (cervical & breast cancers, STDs, etc.), does go a long way to enhance the quality of life of every male & female.
Abortion is a last resort choice that should be available to victims of sexual assault (including survivors of stranger/date/marital/workplace rape, reproductive coercion from controlling mates, sex trafficking, incest, etc.), as well as moms & kids whose health are at risk when a troubled pregnancy is continued.
For instance, think of how many Latin Americans, despite their conservative Roman Catholic practices, used abortion when Zika hit their unborn w/ irreversible defects.
Also think of how many females who are so hooked on illicit or wrongly prescribed drugs, cigarette smoking, alcohol, etc., that they forget to take birth control pills, get long-term shots, or can't ably protect themselves against sexual predators.
Every human needs and deserves committed, maturing, adaptive, and nurturing parents who do not rig their unborn to fail w/ lifetime congenital damage to their brains & bodies.
Adoption can only do so much. The Earth as it is cannot support all 7B humans with humane living standards.
Kudos to Planned Parenthood for not backing down on giving males & females scientifically informed choices, not moralistic judgement!*
15
Thank you, Ms. Richards. When tackling a thorny issue, you and your mom always inspire me to take a deep breath, step out of my comfort zone, and remember to maintain a sense of humor.
About the Donald who stands for nothing but himself, his position on PP is curious given his penchant for extramarital and unprotected sex. You'd think he and Michael Cohen would be making large donations to PP, along with the other NDA payments. But, there does not seem to be evidence of such donations.
Anyone else surprised by the lack of Jarvanka's situational awareness (aka know your audience)?
20
My imaginary press conference question : Mr. President, have you ever participated in arranging or providing for an abortion?
39
I'd like to add requesting or encouraging -- easy to deny, but interesting none the less. I'm sure he wouldn't lie.
2
Ms. Collins, just as I was about to look at Misomer Murders, your column caught my attention at the end of the News Day where life is stranger than fiction, and I want to thank Ms. Cecile Richards for the good laugh 'It was a little like suggesting to Mark Zuckerberg that he could get past his business problems if he dropped the part about being on the internet'.
A fine summing-up of this Presidency, and if you could give this admirer of yours and others, a termination date on its Administration, you will be treated to crumpets and tea.
22
I've just read her "Make Trouble" book, really enjoyed it. I've met Cecile a couple of times. While Bush and Trump both have tried to curtail access to reproductive health care here in America , they've also refused to release funding to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) which is NOT involved in abortion but does offer safe birth, family planning, and freedom from gender based violence to the world's most vulnerable and poverty stricken women in about 70 countries around the world. ALL GOOD! It is a sick mentality that preys on reproductive health and choices for the world's most vulnerable women. I'm co-founder of 34 Million Friends of UNFPA. Cecile endorses this effort. Please look it up. And back in 2002 when we started, Donald Trump and I were on the same honorary committee supporting Friends of UNFPA. I think his "pro-life" stance (I call it "pro-death") for women smells of pure hypocrisy. YOU GO Cecile. I know you will do more great and important things.
34
Trump is a champion of "sexual risk avoidance" and Melania is a champion of ending cyber bullying.
Both of their photos should be in the dictionary illustrating irony.
40
What better way for angry white men to reclaim the power and status they feel slipping away than to fall back on tried and tactics that worked for thousands of years: keep 'em barefoot and pregnant.
Just as rape is not about sex, it's about power, so too is this argument. If women cannot control their own reproductive decisions they cannot maintain their independence or compete in any "career" other than housewife.
34
"Planned Parenthood is at its very roots about, um, family planning."
Do Republicans and god story realists think the "invisible hand" will safeguard--even promote--women's reproductive rights as it does so well everyone's economic rights--thus eviscerating labor unions?
Do they think all planning is USSR (stupid, corrupt) Communism or (The devil makes you do it.) Satanism?
Do they think Capitalism--Moneyball--is just a lottery?
And the invisible hand will work like a diaphragm?
Unless of course they get their mistresses pregnant. Then Hush Money flows from the Invisible Hand--but that's another hand!
6
There are lots of hidden agendas in the anti-birth control, anti-abortion drive. One that is never mentioned is the idea that people are having too much sex, too much fun, and they should face the consequences. At base, this is an effort to limit sexual expression, to return to those thrilling days of yesterday when everyone pretended that no one had sex before marriage and, when the woman got pregnant (surprise!) they ran, shotgun at their backs, to get married.
Yes, the anti-sex league is alive and well and has transmogrified itself into being against both birth control and abortion (contradictions don't matter because when you are preaching morals, you don't have to worry about logic).
The Catholic church took the early, most notable stand against birth control for obvious reasons: 99.9% of all Catholics come to the church through the birth canal, not conversion. If people use birth control, having 2 kids instead of 5 or 6, then the Church gradually loses power, diaper by diaper.
Those who get into high moral dungeon on abortion are mainly those who are past the time when bodily urges overwhelm the brain like a freight train hitting an apple cart. Dylan said,
“Old lady judges watch people in pairs
Limited in sex, they dare
To push fake morals, insult and stare..."
We all want everyone else to be moral, don't we?, while we make our own choices. Otherwise, abortion is the greatest organizing and motivating issue the far right has ever had. They aren't letting go.
31
Trump should be all for Planned Parenthood’s family planning services and screening for sexual diseases, given his adulterous track record. Remember, his middle name is “John”...
10
The GOP are proof of a continuous need for Planned Parenthood. A war against the pro - life right.
Not giving birth to that political miasma is as Elaine Benes said a “casus belli”.
2
When the issue erupted over the videos showing Dr. Deborah Nucatola discussing the commercial use of aborted fetal body parts with David Dalenden and Sandra Merritt of the anti abortion Center for Medical Progress, Cecile Richards said it was "unacceptable" and apologized for the doctor's "tone" in the video.
The "tone" was that of a medical professional speaking professionally.
The MSM made as much over the doctor's choice of lunch fare (a "sumptuous" meal including red wine) as they did over Benghazi.
Speaking of Hillary, she called the videos "disturbing" and called for a national investigation into the sale of aborted fetal tissue.
With "supporters" like these is it any wonder some states have a single functioning womens's health clinic?
Fusion GPS proved all the videos were doctored.
A Texas grand jury did not indict any part of the PP "ham sandwich" but it DID indict the two people who worked for the Center.
Did I say a TEXAS grand jury did that?
In July 2015, Mike Pence said an investigation by Indiana found NO wrong doing by PP.
Jason Chaffetz like wise concurred after Congress investigated.
Maybe when leading pro choice advocates stop cowering for doing NOTHING wrong, maybe, just maybe, clinics that support a woman's constitutional right to control her own reproductive health will be available in more than just 10% of the 3300 counties in this country.
16
I wonder how many of Trump’s affairs resulted in an abortion?
17
Jared and Ivanka are the worst sort of dilettantes, those with completely unearned power. The children of faux gold sperm and connections. In real actual life, Ivanka would be a local news co-anchor, in some far flung outpost, like Wichita. Jared would be a New Jersey used Car salesman, or perhaps " working " in a boiler room stockbrokers scam. Seriously.
29
Legal abortion is a tremendous gift to conservative politicians and it's hard to imagine they would ever seriously act to abolish it. As long as abortion is not banned or seriously limited, many socially liberal voters will stay home or vote for a moderate R due to economic anxiety. And as long as abortion is not banned or seriously limited, many single-issue voters will consistently turn out for the candidate whose party is more likely to eventually ban abortions.
It's very much in the interest of Rs to create the *appearance* that they're limiting abortion rights, cutting Planned Parenthood funding, etc., while in *reality* doing as little as possible so that the enraged base will keep voting.
The sad part is that the anti-abortion voters fully understand that this is going on -- they're not dumb -- but they vote R anyway just in case someday they might somehow end up electing more idealists than realpolitik types. Hasn't happened yet, isn't looking good, but, hey, some day!
8
Please,Gail, give Cecile a break! She is 60 and has just finished a twelve year term as director of a very challenging organization.She would be valuable as an advisor on woman's health and family planning for an international organization or a large charity i.e. the Gates Foundation.She deserves enormous credit for being on the family planning battlefield for so long.Don't urge her to go into politics-she has already been there with her mother, Governor Richardson.
2
The Republicans are putting evangelical vetted and approved judges on the bench at such a furious pace it's essential any replacement for Ms Richards be just as outstanding an advocate or else see hard gained ground given up in the fight for woman's rights (aka human rights) and yet more vulnerable lives added to those already uselessly destroyed to encourage righteous joy throughout the holier than thou crowd, that, in their turn, have been so brilliantly manipulated by the very super cynical greed-heads who are currently pulling all the strings.
16
Always appreciated the audacious and courageous Ann Richards. By all indications Cecile is an apple that didn’t fall far from the tree. What a remarkable job she has done at the helm of Planned Parenthood! Here’s wishing her all the best. We’re looking forward to the next chapter in her career of public service.
26
When I got married in 1960 it was illegal for doctors in Massachusetts and Connecticut to provide birth control or even information about birth control. I had to go to New York City to get mine.
20
When the Air Force sent me to MIT in 1962, I was amazed that I couldn’t buy prophylactics at the drug store. Thankfully, a military base was nearby, and every base exchange I ever been in has a variety right next to the cash register. Religion should be barred from the bedroom. I am happy to automatically send a modest monthly contribution via the internet to Planned Parenthood. Any organization that tries to instruct my wife or me on how many children we should have will be politely informed to get stuffed.
9
I’m 60, and except for that Bible story I think it’s always took two to commence a pregnancy. So, the idea of only holding women accountable for pregnancy is a bit fictional, so stop the perspectif women.
Abstinence? Yea, tell that to a seventeen year old male. I’m sure it will make quite an impression....But not on this planet.
24
And yet there are millions of women who voted against their own self interest. They voted for a man and a party that would roll the clock back to the Dark Ages when it comes to women's reproductive rights.
23
Abortion is simply a woman's basic human right, and no one has the right to stop her from making that personal choice. To deny that right, and forcing a woman to carry an unwanted pregnancy to full term, is the same as slavery- just as inhumane, just as evil. Kudos to Cecile Richards and her mother Ann, for standing up for these rights: to own our own bodies and lives, and stop the misogynists whose 'right to life' speeches are a deranged and insecure need for controlling women.
36
Let this article be a reminder to all those who didn't show up to support Hillary Clinton that elections matter. Marches, rallies and facebook groups are nice - but they do not change anything unless you vote. If you care about women's reproductive rights, including her right to end a pregnancy then you need to vote for each and every candidate that does the same. Ms. Clinton would have put a justice on the Supreme Court that would have allowed Ruth Bader Ginsberg to be writing groundbreaking majority opinions - instead of being reduced to some sort of cute millennial meme - and writing for the dissent. VOTE!
52
With its policy of separating children, including infants, from those seeking asylum at our borders, the Trump administration proves that it really has no concern for babies. In fact it deliberately inflicts pain on these children to discourage their parents from applying for asylum. These people are not entering illegally--they're seeking out ICE and trying to follow our asylum laws. In return, their children are separated from them immediately and farmed out to foster care. So far 700 children, including 100 children under the age of four, have been taken from their parents.
43
They care more about unborn children.
2
I grew up believing that Republicans believed in individual liberties. Now I see a party that believes only in taking liberties away.
41
I'm always happy to see someone who recognizes reality. Thanks.
10
Did anyone else notice Jared asking for a favor and promising money? And Ivanka stating there wasn’t enough appreciation given to her father? Sounds like a shakedown to me.
22
I live in Arizona and would instantly contribute to a NY-based Richards for Congress campaign. Her voice is needed in our national policy making discussions.
19
Nobody cares about Trump anymore. The best thing we could do for the collective good is just stop talking about him, ride out these next three years, and vow to do better.
7
I can't say this better than this nun.
In one simple quote, Sister Joan Chittister, O.S.B. sums up the hypocrisy of many in the 'pro-life' movement:
"I do not believe that just because you're opposed to abortion, that that makes you pro-life. In fact, I think in many cases, your morality is deeply lacking if all you want is a child born but not a child fed, not a child educated, not a child housed. And why would I think that you don't? Because you don't want any tax money to go there. That's not pro-life. That's pro-birth. We need a much broader conversation on what the morality of pro-life is."
This quote applies well to many Republican lawmakers who continue to introduce/pass restrictive misogynist laws against woman's reproductive rights. At the same time, the GOP works to shut down women's health clinics, with a special vengeance towards Planned Parenthood (#StandWithPP). You don't see these Right Wing anti-choice extremists adopting children from unplanned pregnancies or putting funds into sex education.
But you do see Republican lawmakers cut access to birth control, which prevents abortions. You do see the GOP's 54 attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and their $24 billion Government Shutdown, both to destroy universal health reform which protects the needs of millions of American children. And you do see Republican lawmakers cut government programs like school lunches for children and block government financial aid to families who are homeless and/or in need.
44
We have directed 50% of our charitable giving for years to Planned Parenthood. A family member ran a multi-clinic PP operation in the Pacific Northwest.
No organization has a more positive long term impact on the community, in the prevention of communicable disease, female health screening and responsible family planning, than Planned Parenthood.
Consider making Planned Parenthood a bigger part of your annual giving.
Thanks to Cecile Richards for her years of effective leadership in a hostile political climate.
104
I continue to be baffled by the same people wanting no abortions are against birth control. I am not pro-abortion; I want there to be very few abortions and that it remain safe and legal. Birth control and education can reduce the need for abortion. Support Planned Parenthood.
103
When I was a penniless college student about 50 years ago, I don't know what I would have done without Planned Parenthood to rely on for health care. It's sad that we haven't made any progress in that time, but until there is proper universal health care in this country, we will continue to need Planned Parenthood very badly. Thank you for your service, Cecile Richards.
257
As a young adult I couldn't afford health care and PP stepped in when I got a cervical infection. Lovely people and a pleasant place, great medical care.
10
You would think that a logical assessment of PP would lead one to consider that the folks that seek those services are more financially strapped than most. Unfortunately that also suggests that unplanned children born into families or single moms that fit that economic profile would be more susceptible to certain misfortunes from poor education to drug abuse and more.
Those problems are quite costly to society. So if one doesn't allow empathy to enter their political decisions, a careful consideration of the economics should!
39
Read Frekonomics to see the connection between Roe vs. Wade & the large drop in violent crime in the 90's.
9
I agree. When I needed an HIV test to complete my physical for employement in the Federal Government, the only place for this test was Planned Parenthood. It was interesting to see the number of young worried women with several young children waiting for their meeting with PP staff.
It brought home to me the need to support this organization.
3
Abortion is a sacred right based on the First Amendment that protects the ultimate Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Speech.
A woman shall decide whether to have an abortion or not based on her own religious beliefs, not on the religion of a politician.
164
While I am in favor of women's choice, I'm tired of the word "sacred" applied to people's rights. All too often it's the right to kill that is called sacred. We don't need to treat the framers of the Constitution as gods on high; we need to get people to think straight without dictating to other people. If life is important, life after birth, and the health and well-being of mothers and families, are important considerations. Women are not just vessels for giving birth.
7
Susan Anderson - I used the term "sacred" ironically, parodying the 2nd amendment people, which maybe the reason the term "sacred" got under your skin. They think there is a higher authority, mandating their rights, I do not.
There is a second reason I used the term "sacred", which I doubt you disagree.
In a secular society governed by the rule of law there is NO religion, NO God or god, more sacred than the US Constitution that defines our freedoms. For you sacred seems to be something that comes from god or a higher power. For me there is no higher power than the will of the people who voted, amended, and keep amending the Constitution. The Right to Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Speech is an amendment after all.
You seem to concede the term "sacred" to the religionists, which I find sad. There is a Sacred Right that women have to decide whether to have an abortion or not. Prohibiting a woman from having an abortion in my view is as vile and repugnant as forcing a woman to have an abortion against her will.
Despite your aversion to the term "sacred" you seem to agree with me when you state "Women are not just vessels for giving birth", which is how some politicians view women. It was Roman emperors after all who first legislated against abortions, concerned with replenishing their armies for military campaigns. Religious books (Deuteronomy) "If men fighting cause an unwanted abortion they will pay an appropriate fine to the husband approved by the judges".
"In the context of the Trump era, she thinks of the George W. Bush years as good times." I'm glad to hear someone does, but depressed at how easily some people forget. Let us review the actual happenings of the George W. Bush years:
1. Ignored NSA warning that "bin Laden is determined to strike in the US" while focusing on Russia.
2. War on Iraq, at the cost of trillions of dollars, hundreds of thousands of Iraqi and American lives, and the birth of ISIS.
3. Justified the war by lying about imaginary WMDs in Iraq, and sending Colin Powell to lie about them in the UN.
4. Endorsed torture. For the first time in American history, Americans were told to torture on behalf of their country.
5. The Great Recession. Abandoned regulation of banks, and protections for consumers, leading to the loss of homes by millions of Americans. We're still recovering.
6. Failures of leadership. "Mission Accomplished." "Heckuva job, Brownie."
I'm no fan of The Donald, but he has a long way to go until he can make W. Bush look good. Probably impossible.
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I guess Javanka was (were?) never briefed on what PP is really all about: contraception and abortion – that’s WHY they were founded. Oh, they provide other services, as well, but Javanka might have asked what the organization’s name MEANT.
I’ve made the same suggestion here numerous times, except that I haven’t left it there: I’ve argued for splitting it into two divisions, re-naming one that dealt solely with female health NOT involved with contraception or abortion, and keeping staff, facilities, EVERYTHING auditably separate from the division that counselled on contraception and that performed or arranged abortions (which would be funded 100% by private donations). That seems to me to be the only way the non-abortion division will ever get adequate public funds.
My suggestion gets mixed reviews, as the people who live to scream about injustice do that a lot, on the premise that contraception and abortion are indivisible from a holistic provision of reproductive healthcare to women, and should be generously funded with public dollars to provide such options to indigent and low-income women. Well, maybe they should be, but it remains that PP WILL NOT get more public funding as long as they support contraception and abortion. You’d think more people would be interested in real solutions. Millions of Americans simply don’t want to be taxed to provide services that fundamentally violate their faith. And won’t be, so long as they have enough political clout to prevent it.
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I’ve always been a very strong supporter of Roe and women’s reproductive rights generally. But I also harbor a deep contempt for people who believe merely expressing ideological outrage while not actually accomplishing anything useful is somehow honorable and legitimate. They do worse than nothing useful.
And for those who regularly tell their elected representatives that they DON’T want public funds going to PP, that 58% national approval rate is pretty meaningless: they’re all from the usual suspect venues, oddly the same ones that support sanctuary immigration policies.
In any event, Javanka clearly need to pook a toe out of their incredibly protected bubble. It probably was Richards’s fault for listening seriously to two people involved in politics who are barely beyond fetuses themselves.
Cecile Richards in NY probably would be as much a non-starter to unseat Andrew Cuomo as Democratic gubernatorial candidate as Cynthia Nixon is. Cuomo is the only completely normal, fairly uncontroversial person in the lot, which will appeal YUGELY to regular New York State residents who DON’T happen to live on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
Unless tomorrow’s reveal is that a bunch of women have emerged on #MeToo who have something to say about Andrew Cuomo (these days … you just never know), he’s going to crush – not just the primary but the election, as well.
Richard, Planned Parenthood is already split into two very distinct divisions: the division that provides abortions is entirely privately funded. The division that provides contraception and other services receives funding from the federal government (Title X) and states. Your suggestion has not only been implemented, but it's the way the organization was structured. Btw, there is absolutely no commingling of funds. If a lightbulb belongs on one side of the ledger, it stays there. You can bet that millions are spent by abortion foes on auditing PP's books.
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I find it illuminating that people on the right now openly lump contraception and abortion together in their list of evils. I remember a day when abortion opponents kept mum about their opposition to contraception because they didn't want to sound too extreme.
The efforts to control women are definitely moving rightward. What's next? Attempting to legislate that women dress modestly in public?
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Well-informed and progressive nations (I believe we are not one of those) must look at our fights and diatribes about Planned Parenthood, women's health and reproductive rights and freedom of choice, and think we're crazy.
Planned Parenthood exists because it is needed. It would be nice if we were well-informed and progressive enough as a nation that women's health and reproductive rights and freedom of choice were foregone conclusions, and that needed assistance were available as a matter of course and not subject to ideological debates and trumped-up scandal rumors, and relentless pandering.
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Thank you for your service, Cecile Richards, in the face of America's Christian Crusaders' Endless War On Poor Women.
Unwanted pregnancy is four times as common - and unwanted birth is seven times as common - among poor women as among non-poor women.
After implementing its Family Planning Initiative, teen births and abortions dropped by nearly half in Colorado when poor women had access to no-cost/low-cost long-acting IUDs.
And Colorado saved $66 million in public assistance it would have spent on hospital bills and welfare payments.
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/cfpi-report
Colorado Republicans briefly defunded program because it was successful, it made sense and saved the state millions, but they miraculously came to their senses and restored funding.
But most lunatic conservatives still can't stand poor women.
“How shocking Colorado legislators care naught about the health risks for our daughters and granddaughters,” said Leslie Hanks, spokesperson for American Right to Life. “They care not a whit about their physical, emotional, nor spiritual health.”
Yes, Ms. Hanks, if those legislators had showed a deeper and more passionate commitment to forced pregnancies and Christian Shariah Law, America's poor women would be so much better off.
The #1 cause of unwanted pregnancies and high abortion rates is conservative Christianity and Trumpian politics.
As Michelle Wolf said, Ivanka is “about as helpful to women as an empty box of tampons."
Nice GOPeople.
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Dear Socrates,
If you believe so much in the value of Planned Parenthood, which is a private business, then open your own wallet and contribute to their cause. There is no reason why PP or any other private organization should receive taxpayer dollars in order to stay in business.
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Amazed that the Republicans were smart enough to re-fund it. Hadn't heard that. Hm1342, contrary to your personal beliefs, we live in a "society" as opposed to each being in a small self-contained bubble. Health care for poor people is something that (good) societies provide to their population. PP provides health care to poor women. The fact that you don't care if women can control their reproductive lives (or whether they die of undetected breast cancer) says something about you, but it doesn't say anything about the value of PP providing the services it provides.
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By that reasoning, there is no reason why Halliburton should receive taxpayer dollars in order to stay in business. Maybe hm1342 can open the wallet and contribute to Cheney’s dividend payments.
Those defending the Planned Parenthood funding over the last couple of years often said that the organization provided a vast array of services, of which abortion was only a small proportion, mentioning numbers of just a few percent.
On March 9 last year, Gail wrote about it as "an organization that provides crucial services like breast exams, family planning and checks for cervical cancer."
On Feb 4, 2011 she had emphasized all of the same. It has been a steady theme. She especially pointed out that no government money was used for abortions, since that was already illegal.
Now Gail writes that abortion is to Planned Parenthood what the internet is to Zuckerberg. Congress can't fund it, leaving abortion to other funding sources, like she said in 2011 was already the case.
Both of those things can't be true.
Either abortion is central to Planned Parenthood, or it is only one thing it does among a vast number of vital things, and proportionately a small part, and never paid for by the government anyway.
In one case, the Jared/Ivanka idea makes sense, and is pretty much the way things already are, and in the other it is complete nonsense.
Gail is having it both ways here, to defend Planned Parenthood but abuse anything from Trump, even what she said was already being done.
Personally, I think the government should fund Planned Parenthood without limitation, and it should provide all of this. But this is about the "facts" we have been told.
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But both of those things are true. As a pure numbers game, abortion makes up a tiny percentage of Planned Parenthood’s services. But it is essential to their mission, which is empowering women and providing essential women’s health services, especially reproductive health. You can’t remove abortion from that - it is still the law of the land that women have the right to choose to terminate a pregnancy, and in order to exercise that right they need providers who will perform those terminations. Planned Parenthood is a stalwart defender of a woman’s right to choose and that part of their mission is needed now more than ever, even if abortions are a statistical blip.
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Mark, Planned Parenthood has two separate divisions: one that provides abortions, and another that provides family planning and other healthcare services. The former is entirely funded by private money, while the latter receives funding from the federal government (Title X) and states, as well as donations. PP money is not fungible because the divisions share neither money nor resources. What Ivanka and Jared were suggesting (whether they realized it or not) is that the division that provides abortions be closed. That would mean that abortion was unavailable to most poor women in the country.
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Cecile Richards has done more for women’s health, safety and prosperity than any bible-thumping hypocrite in Congress has ever done. The single best way to empower women is to give them control over when and if they will have children.
Birth control should not only be more available, it should also be retroactive. Abortion would no longer be an issue. I’m thinking of a few troublesome political figures who might benefit from never having been born. You’re thinking of them, too.
Why is it that Republicans insist on bringing into the world the very people they despise? Poor women with poor prospects are encouraged to have children they can’t afford so that Republicans can deny them fair wages, decent education, safe cities and health care. It’s as though they need to constantly ensure a fresh supply of victims to suffer their negligence.
It’s not entirely their fault. Women’s plumbing has always confused Republicans. Some of their comments about women indicate that they ascribe to the stork theory of reproduction. Legitimate rape is one of their, well, misconceptions that was espoused by Congressman Todd Akin who, after he said it, probably wished he’s never been born.
And then there’s anti-abortion Republican Congressman Tim Murphy, who encouraged the woman he was having an affair with to get an abortion. Ironically, it aborted his term in office.
So if you need a hypocrite, dial G.O.P. For everything else, call Planned Parenthood.
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Gemli, you are indeed a gem. Thank you for this and for so many other beautifully written, thought provoking comments which enhance tremendously the experience of reading the NYTimes. What a role model of “citizenship” you are! Please keep ‘em coming.
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Republicans are trying to erase Lincoln's biggest mistake in their eyes -- freeing the slaves. If desperate women are forced to bear children they don't want and can't afford, selling them to wealthy slave owners may become the only possibility.
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Another gem from gemli, thank you for your service.
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The conservatives have a way of finding one example of some action, and applying it to the whole group.
Abortion is an occurring theme, they find iit everywhere, even where it isn't. There is a name for this technique,, but I can not think of it at the moment. So Planned parenthood becomes a victim to their desire to prevent abortions no matter the medical necessities, or why it may be needed. For trump this is another reward to his evangelical following. To them abortion is murder, but causing the mother to die when it will save her life is not; exposing more hypocrisy of them. They admire a swindler, adulterer, a compulsive liar, but want to punish women for having sex.
We have heard some of them expressing why they support Rump, we call it weaseling. Those weasels also reside in the Senate and House, denying funds to organizations that even mention abortion. We have seen how Kansas became another medieval state because of the abortion issue.
That PP objective is to prevent the need for abortion, and to save women's lives from various inflections does not register with the hellfire hypocrites, from their point of view, they had sex and they deserve gods punishment.
Yes sex the ultimate guilt trip, it is religions greatest hold on people, it is original sin, but almost all people will engage in it, and then pay to be absolved by some witch doctor calling themselves a priest, or other religions leader.
You're guilty and we know it, so pay up.
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I work for Planned Parenthood. Cecile is a beloved hero.
She is brilliant, measured, and empathic. She wants only the best for women--all women (and men). All races, all income levels, all creeds. She wants us to have health care, and choices--whatever choices are best for us, individually.
Why is this a controversial concept in 2018?
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Misogyny, subordination of women to men and their fetuses on patriarchal “religious grounds” is why this is a controversial topic. PS: bet you can’t name a “non-patriarchal” religion. God is a male, Jesus is a male and women can never be Catholic priests so get over it or get over religion. It’s always been a problem and at the moment we are learning what it means to have Christian shariah law. It’s not just women and sex that are the targets of the believers in the WH. It’s also the poor, children, the elderly, the sick, all non-whites, union members, and anyone getting a pension, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security. Women are in good company. Women can make changes that will usher us into reforms. Cecile can lead.
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In the early 70's, when I became sexually active, I visited a Planned Parenthood clinic in San Francisco to get birth control pills. Imagine my shock that almost every other girl there was in a catholic school uniform! They expressed surprise that I went to public school.
Great essay, Gail. Cecile Richards has walked the walk, so why not governor?
However, in defense of Trump (heh, I’m bucking for his communications director but I can’t bake cookies), Trump has the solid backing of evangelicals. So we can get a little intimate here (hey, it’s been on CNN with the Stormy interview), Trump went in, uh, as we might say, unprotected. That’s not responsible sex. And then Trump undertook preparatory legal measures, just in case, uh, something happened.
If something did indeed happen, say a Barron II, Trump would have had the financial resources to deal with it, being worth several billion dollars, or maybe just a fraction of that that, but still having the financial resources that common people don’t have to deal with unwanted pregnancies.
Evangelicals just want the kids to happen, but they don’t want to pay the taxes to take care of them. Trump is their man.
I think that Javanka are in way over their head on this one, although they might be able to give the unwanted born some of the bling from her business.
But who knows, Gail? Maybe Trump would have run off and married Stormy. Then that would all of a sudden have become, uh, responsible sex, I guess? But then there’s Melania and Barron. Oh well. But money solves all problems.
So when people don’t have all that money, they desperately need the services of Planned Parenthood. Evangelicals won’t help, because they back Trump’s bareback episode. They live dangerously.
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Cecile Richards is an amazing woman. So was her mom, Ann Richards. I wish Cecile all the best as she figures out her next venture!
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Support Arpaio, beat up on Richards. Defund Planned Parenthood and also CHIP & SNAP so there're more babies w/ less support. This regime is not just hypocritical but illogical & unreasonable. I really enjoy donating to Planned Parenthood in Pence's name - makes it feel as if I'm having fun as well as doing good.
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Indeed. And creeps too. Donald Trump had unprotected sex with at least two adult workers in the sex industry -- potentially putting his wife and new born son at risk. And Pence is directly responsible for HIV cases skyrocketing in Indiana.
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Also, evil.
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No, off-hand I have serious doubts that the accidental oaf-in-the-oval office is seriously advocating a reduction in copulation.
He's simply saying that if anyone else indulges in it, any conception resulting from it should trigger a crime punishable by jail time and/or minor dependents left to fend for themselves with no safety net role by the government.
Do I have this right?
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Trump chiming in on abstinence and "pro-life" is like the worlds Fattest Man proclaiming himself an expert on Dieting. The BEST expert.
Just saying.
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I would vote for Ms. Richards for governor in one red, hot second. Her leadership skills dazzle. And it looks to me like all the men in leadership positions, in government as well as business, could really use a sabbatical. Let's just say, charitably speaking, that they're all overworked and overtired. Let's not mention anything about sexual improprieties or refusal to legislate. But indeed, here in New York, Cuomo and Deblasio clearly need a time out. Here's to a Governor Richards and 49 other women governors coming right up. Time for the women.
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so tired of old white guys. i think they all need a long nap.
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“You have to give everybody a chance,” Richards said mildly. NO, you don't. Not with this crew. Did you learn anything Ms. Richards, albeit a bit too late?
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Ms. Richards, your Mother would be incredibly proud of your commitment, your integrity, your grit, your LIFE. I sincerely thank you.
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I lived in Texas when Ann Richards was governor and even met her once. She is the only politician I ever donated to. Cynthia Nixon doesn’t have the experience necessary to be New York’s governor. Haven’t we learned that electing people whose only experience is as television actors doesn’t work out very well? Why not challenge Cuomo with Cecile?
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There are some stats mentioned about an Indiana county where HIV rates soared after Planned Parenthood was shut down.
It would be nice to include a link to the source, that way folks could see the reference & data directly.
Thanks, Len
56
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/07/28/indianas-hiv-o... This points to the issue.
13
Scott County
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/opinion/ct-ptb-rutter...
Your Welcome.
len
25
Scott County, Indiana, 2015 HIV outbreak. Pence halted the needle exchange program and PP shut down. The were up 190 cases. Google it. Then pick your preferred news outlet delivery of said info.
19
I'm sorry. Whenever I think of Ivanka and Jared, I go through a timewarp and it is early last century, and I think, "Ah, a couple of swells."
The thesaurus is not kind to that moniker. A couple of dandies?
The only thing those two confirm to me is not only does the Trump family lack any sense of shame, they also lack any sense of proportion. The ability to grasp proportions is the abilities to grasp ratios. Which is related to the idea, of the essence what it means to be rational.
Ivanka and Jared. Just two swell, dandy, irrational people.
197
pjc, "swells" is perfect. They are anachronistic, amongst their other wonderful qualities, and belong in that era of degenerate English nobility.
35
Dilettante - "a person who cultivates an area of interest without real commitment or knowledge."
That about nails it.
35
Aha, I see a Thomist/Aristotelian in the weeds out there. But what else could Ivanka grow up to be, a person with no sense of proportion, having been raised by someone with no sense of proportion, thus no sense of truth?
19
I think Trump really hit on something. After all, who would have sex if it cost $130,000 a shot?
121
Did he really have "sex" with her, for real, or was $130,00 just a payment for the time she wasted keeping him company.
9
"Francoise Aline
Midwest
Did he really have "sex" with her, for real, or was $130,00 just a payment for the time she wasted keeping him company."
Trump is a moral weakling and a degenerate who only became president with the help of our enemies. Trump is bad for America and yes Trump had sex with the Porn star. Bad boring sex is still sex and she has the physical evidence to prove it and the reason she got $130,000 and a threat to her life. .
Thanks again today,Gail; just one great column after another. When you mentioned Anne Richards, my mind went to that group of outstanding strong and committed women who survived Texas: Barbara Jordan and Molly Ivins along with both the Richards dynamos sure gave the shrub --Molly's favorite name for Bush the younger--and all those Texas cowboys a hard time with grace and wit. They could teach the youngsters a thing or two.
Now, we'll see what Cecile can stir up and I hope she knows there are a lot of us chomping at the bit to see what she does.
314
Gail is the closest to Ann Richards, Barbara Jordan and Molly Ivins that we have today. Hers is the lone voice in the woods. We need another voice to join her to speak to the truth.
20
Who can teach abstinence better?
The Don's better known as a debtor,
Viewing porn with scorn
Straight arrow reborn,
His wedding ring, self chosen fetter.
And if the Don should go astray
His Fixer's bound to save the Day,
With help from a shell
A magical spell,
And corporations glad to pay.
406
Beautiful, @Larry.
45
Mr. Eisenberg, you're just getting better!
40
Go, Larry Eisenberg!
20
"It definitely seems like the good old days", Gail writes, referring the George W. Bush years.
This has been coming in waves since January of 2017.
First, it was the Obama years that every said were the "good old days".
Now that things keep getting worse, we're in the Bush years as "good old days" even though we had 9/11, two useless "forever wars" and the Great Recession.
Is the Trump Administration going to keep reaching new heights of awfulness and chaos that, pretty soon, it will be the Nixon years that were the "good old days"?
202
As a bumper sticker I saw during the Reagan years said:
Bring Back Tricky Dick
56
I'm already THERE.
57
Nixon created the EPA and Title IX and ended the draft. Not sure if the last one was as wise as it seemed at the time, but yes, he actually does look like good old days from here, as long as you pretend not to see the lying and the war.
39
Ms. Richards, like the employees and volunteers of Planned Parenthood, has a level of courage and selflessness unimaginable to Trump and far right ideologues who self righteously deny people crucial medical services, including family planning.
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