What’s Good About Planned Parenthood?

Several years ago I was in excruciating pain. I had no money and no insurance. I knew that if I went to a hospital I would not be able to pay for the kind of service I needed because I had a serious problem. I decided to go to Planned Parenthood. They examined and treated me, provided very low cost medication, and made me feel loved and cared for. They seemed to understand my need for help and were gracious, kind, and nonjudgmental, even when I griped about having to wait to be seen. Although it was a long time ago, I still remember how much pain I was in and how thankful I was for these people and the help that they provided when I could not help myself.

Now they are under fire for very serious allegations. Reports of sex-trafficking and prostitution rings are littering the web. Many people would like to see Planned Parenthood shut down for good because of the evil that permeates their premises. The crimes that are being committed do not weigh against the little good that they are doing. I see the stories and my heart breaks. Despite the atrocities happening all around us, would it be worth it to silence an organization that helps so many women who cannot help themselves?

According to their website, 10.9 million people were guests of Planned Parenthood in 2008. Eighty four percent of all their patients were treated for STDs, screened and/or treated for cancer, or were provided with contraceptives. Abortion services accounted for only three percent of the treatments and services provided by Planned Parenthood in 2008. In 2007, this organization provided 30,000 women with a vaccine to fight against cervical cancer. If percentages are not enough, here are some numbers to consider. In 2007, over one million women were treated for things such as prenatal care, pregnancy, infertility, and midlife issues. Almost two million women were screened for cancer or had other similar procedures. Out of all those millions of women treated, 300,000 abortions were performed during 2007.

The crimes that are allegedly being committed at Planned Parenthood are heinous. No child should ever be a victim of such degradation. The fact is, evil is everywhere and Planned Parenthood is certainly not without excuse for its conduct. Judgment should be swift and meted out with an iron fist. Yet, should the organization be put on the chopping block? When one considers the staggering amount of support and services being offered to women in need, can there be some sort of reconciliation? Who is to blame? Is it the organization itself or the individual who must be accounted for his or her own actions?

As Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. When people are hungry, we need to feed them. When they are cold, we need to clothe them. When demons abound, we need to cast them out. While we are fighting to maintain purity and innocence, is it possible to see the good being done even amid the wicked? The Lord reminds us in Psalm 5 that the wicked will not stand. Regardless of the outcome, God sees, he knows, and he is not silent. His will is going to be accomplished with or without our help. All we are required to do is love.