I started my list off by making a donation to my chosen political cause. This item made it onto my list because I tend to suffer from momentary outrage. I’ll be outraged by something for a few minutes until I get distracted by a bright shiny object. I felt I needed to do something more to support a political cause then just send out the excellent emails produced by http://front.moveon.org/
Unsure what the definition of a “political cause” was, I searched on google and when I couldn’t find a comprehensive definition in 5 minutes, I gave up and made my own definition. I decided that it was something that involved writing angry emails to politicians demanding change. As it happens, this definition fits perfectly with my chosen political cause: Planned Parenthood. I’m a liberal feminist working in health care, it seemed like the perfect option.
I’ve been on Planned Parenthood’s email list for while, sending off emails to Rick Scott whenever prompted and resisting adding that I thought he was a twit (doing so would make me feel better but do nothing to further Planned Parenthood’s agenda). Today I actually sent Planned Parenthood money as from now until June 30, every membership donation made to Planned Parenthood Federation of America will be matched dollar for dollar which means twice as much money to protect and promote women's health.
For those unfamiliar with Planned Parenthood, they provide a range of services including contraceptives, emergency contraception, screening for breast, cervical and testicular cancers; pregnancy testing and pregnancy options counseling; testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, comprehensive sexuality education, menopause treatments, vasectomies, tubal ligations, and abortion.
Recently Indiana, Kansas, and North Carolina have eliminated certain public funds from going to Planned Parenthood because of their abortion services (a small proportion of what they do). I am standing with them because I believe that people should have access to the essential, life saving health services that Planned Parenthood provide.
