hpv (human papilloma virus) vaccine
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HPV,
or the Human Papilloma Virus, is a common virus that is transmitted
sexually. While most strains can be detected and treated with regular
gynecological exams, some strains are more persistent and can lead to
cervical cancer. In
June 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gardasil, a
vaccine that can protect women against the most virulent strains of HPV
that cause 70 percent of cervical cancers. The Virginia General Assembly passed two bills which add the HPV vaccine to the Virginia Board of Health’s
required immunizations for attendance at most traditional school settings, but not all states have seen the light.
for more information on hpv vaccine >>
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ec (emergency contraception)
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At Planned Parenthood, we believe that women and men deserve a second chance at preventing unintended pregnancy. That's why we support Emergency Contraception (EC) as a backup emergency method of birth control when all else fails. EC (also known by its brand name, Plan B) contains the same ingredients that are found in daily birth control pills, only in a higher dose. Unfortunately, anti-birth control hardliners - including many lawmakers in the Virginia Assembly - want to restrict access to EC and confuse people about what EC really is.
for more information on ec >>
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trap: targeted regulation of abortion providers
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TRAP bills are thinly veiled attempts to close down nearly every abortion provider in the state by imposing additional architectural, procedural, staffing and equipment requirements unrelated to providing first-trimester abortions. Ironically, the anti-choice hardliners pushing these onerous regulations in the name of women's safety are the same legislators who would ban legal abortion, leaving women to desperate measures and unsafe procedures performed in the back alley.
for more information on trap >>
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Abstinence-only-until-marriage programs have become increasingly common in public schools and continue to receive large amounts of federal funding, despite the lack of scientific evidence that they are effective in preventing teen pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Many studies have also documented gross inaccuracies and biased information about contraception, genetics, sexually transmitted infections and gender roles. Information that is too little, too late or wrong can result in long term and life-threatening consequences.
for more information on sex ed >> |
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Contraceptive equity simply means that insurance companies should cover contraceptives just like they cover other prescription medication. Believe it or not, this doesn't always happen (even though insurance companies almost always cover Viagra!) and, as a result, women of reproductive age pay 68 percent more in out-of-pocket health care costs than men in the same age group pay. At Planned Parenthood, we believe that contraceptive equity is common sense public health policy that everyone should support.
for more information on contraceptive equity >>
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At Planned Parenthood, we know that the best way to prevent unintended pregnancies is to make sure women, men, and families have access to contraceptive services. Birth control is basic health care, used by thousands of Americans on a daily basis. Unfortunately birth control has been under attack in Virginia for several years. It’s ironic that many of the same legislators who oppose abortion also oppose contraception.
for more information on birth control protection >>
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teen access to healthcare
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Most states currently require parental consent or notification for teens seeking an abortion, but extremist legislators are now trying to impose these same restrictions on teens seeking preventive health care such as gynecological exams, birth control and testing and treatment for STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections). Although it is best when teens are able to communicate with their parents about these health care decisions, access to health care services must remain confidential in order to help all teens prevent unintended pregnancy and the spread of disease.
for more information on teen access to health care >>
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Abortion has been a legal health care option for women in the United States since 1973, following the Supreme Court ruling Roe v. Wade. Prior to the landmark court case, thousands of women were forced to seek illegal “back alley” abortions instead of safe medical care. Over the years, anti-choice hardliners at the state and federal levels have been working to slowly chip away at Roe v. Wade in order to weaken the ruling and eventually threaten its existence altogether. Recently, the South Dakota state legislature enacted an outright abortion ban. Is Virginia next?
for more information on abortion access >> |
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