For years, abortion has been steeped in political controversy. People have been quick to label themselves as “pro-choice” or “pro-life,” making it no secret that abortion is a touchy subject. Despite my extremely left-leaning views, I have been able to respect everyone’s personal opinions on the matter. However, I cannot sit back while people discriminate against Planned Parenthood, and even threaten to defund it, due to abortion-based reasoning.

According to their website, Planned Parenthood is the “leading provider of high-quality, affordable healthcare for women, men, and young people, and the nation’s largest provider of sex education.”

People who take a stand against Planned Parenthood due to their pro-life views neglect to realize that the organization provides multiple services that actually work towards preventing unnecessary abortions. In fact, due to Planned Parenthood, 516,000 unintended pregnancies are averted each year. Eighty percent of their clients receive services related to avoiding unplanned pregnancy. By defunding this program, the number of abortions would skyrocket. Those who look down on Planned Parenthood for providing abortions should know that only three percent of their services are actually abortion-based. Defunding Planned Parenthood with the intentions of avoiding abortion is perhaps the most counterproductive action possible.

The other 97 percent of Planned Parenthood services provide 4.5 million tests for sexually transmitted diseases per year to men and women, as well as other procedures including PAP tests, breast exams, and birth control. Most importantly, the organization educates the public on being sexually safe and responsible.

Before blindly rallying to defund a harmless organization that saves lives, educates, and provides necessary tools to all people, please educate yourself on the real facts.