
“People need to be informed about
abortion and other available options," said Nancy.
“We are here in love and support of the women who come here.”
Planned Parenthood is a group of health clinics located across the country. They provide “up-to-date, clear, medically accurate information that helps you better understand your sexual health.” Planned Parenthood’s motto is “Care. No matter what.” They stress that “abortion is a safe and legal way to end pregnancy.” 1 out of 3 women in the U.S. have an abortion by the time they are 45 years old. Planned Parenthood is the leading abortion provider in the United States, performing over one-third of all the abortions in the country last year.
The number of abortions performed in the United States may be a shock to most Americans. According to the National Abortion Federation (NAF), a professional association of abortion providers in North America, each year, almost half of all pregnancies among American women are unintended. About half of these unplanned pregnancies, 1.3 million each year, are ended by abortion. They estimate that 35% of all women of reproductive age in America today will have had an abortion by the time they
reach the age of 45.
Again, 1.3 million unplanned babies are aborted each year in America.
According to a 2011 Virginia Tech study, 24% of college women will become pregnant at some point during their college careers, many resulting in an abortion.
The Houston Planned Parenthood facility near UH Central is the largest late-term abortion clinic in this hemisphere. According to pro-lifers, their focus is on maximizing abortions instead of the best interest of the woman. Various studies, including a 2011 Life Dynamics survey called, “Racial Targeting and Population Control,” have shown that
Planned Parenthood, as well as other independent abortion facilities in America, target both African American and Hispanic communities by making sure their clinics are located in minority-dominated neighborhoods.
The survey cross-examined zip codes of minority neighborhoods and abortion facilities,
found that 83% of abortion or abortion-referring clinics are located in minority
neighborhoods.
The Guttmacher Institute, an affiliate of Planned Parenthood, reports that 43% of abortions are performed on women 18-24 years old, indicating that college students also prime targets for abortion clinics. A high number of abortion clinics are located in areas near colleges. According to another Life Dynamics study, out of the estimated 780 Planned Parenthood affiliates across America, 78.8% (615) are located within 5 miles of a college or university.
Many women regret having an abortion. Young women may choose abortion because they do not believe they have the support they need to continue their pregnancy. Clinics such as Planned Parenthood are there to financially benefit from this mindset and to continue promoting abortion.
There are options to abortion such as adoption, non-profit support groups and counseling.
Numerous local organizations promote alternatives to abortion. The Houston Coalition for Life is a pro-life organization rooted with their motto “Ending abortion in Houston, peacefully and prayerfully.” The organization provides counseling and services for mothers-to-be. They also have a mobile crisis pregnancy center (bus) which provides free pregnancy tests and free ultrasounds. The bus is parked at the Planned Parenthood building near UH Central.
Over the years, there have been many unplanned births. Those individuals make up a large portion of the American population today. I imagine the birth of many pro-choice advocates were unplanned; how ironic.
Although abortion is legal, it doesn’t have to be the choice. For many, the decision to abort their child creates a lasting effect. Too often, abortion results from unplanned pregnancies - not necessarily due to rape or the mother’s life being at risk. Just irresponsible couples. People are drawn into the idea: “It’s simple and quick. Everyone does it. No big deal.” Well, it is a big deal. There are other options to explore. How can we as humans dare to choose between life and death for our unborn child; especially when the pregnancy is caused by our own carelessness?
Abortion is unatural. I believe our lives and the preservation of life is part
of the human condition. We are here to protect life, not destroy it.