As the budget process continues to move forward in our state, one thing is clear: We need to avoid the outrageous shenanigans over women’s access to family planning that were on display in Congress.
For the federal budget process to have been held up over what is clearly basic health care for women (cancer screenings, STD testing and treatment and birth control) is a national travesty. Family-planning services provided by qualified, trusted providers such as Planned Parenthood should not be up for debate. These services save money — $4 for every dollar invested — and are vital health care for women. Six in 10 women who visit a health center such as Planned Parenthood consider it their primary source of health care.
I have confidence that our state legislators have more common sense than the misguided members of Congress who voted to defund Planned Parenthood and the Title X family-planning program.
Donna Karcher
Battle Ground
