Planned Parenthood Black Community works to strengthen the entire community in three main ways: health, education, and advocacy.
Planned Parenthood health centers provide quality health care for all communities. In 2015, more than one-third (35%) of Planned Parenthood patients are people of color. That includes nearly 360,000 patients (15%) who identify as Black.
Between 2003 and 2013, the number of African-American patients increased by 12%, with a 126% increase in African-American male patients.
Planned Parenthood provides many different health services, including: birth control information and services, pregnancy tests, STI tests, Pap tests, and breast exams.
Planned Parenthood is the largest provider of sex education in the country. It provides accurate, non-judgmental sex education and information both in person and online.
Planned Parenthood affiliates reach 1.5 million young people and families through its sex education and outreach programs. Planned Parenthood's sex educators also are creating innovative new ways to reach people where and when they need information and resources the most.
Our goal is to improve the sexual health of young people (15-24), particularly African American and Latino youth, through engaging, culturally appropriate, online and mobile education projects. For example, Planned Parenthood's chat and text program reaches over 125,000 people annually. These digital projects supplement the wide array of excellent education offerings Planned Parenthood affiliates offer in their communities.
People deserve quality health care. Advocates know the importance of action in making that a reality for individuals. Advocates know the importance of speaking up. Planned Parenthood organizations promote and defend policies that protect and expand African-American's sexual and reproductive rights and their intersection with other social justice issues.
Planned Parenthood is deeply committed to the fundamental right of each individual, throughout the world, to manage his or her fertility, regardless of the individual's income, marital status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or residence. We believe that respect and value for diversity in all aspects of our work are essential to our well-being.
African-American Stories of Reproductive Health Care
Planned Parenthood Federation of America produced the documentary, "A Vital Service: African-American Stories of Reproductive Health Care" to provide a powerful glance at the clinicians, educators, patients, activists, and supporters in Black communities. The film:
- Includes personal stories from the women and families who have benefitted from having access to the critical health services offered at Planned Parenthood health centers
- Aims to spur a dialogue on topics that are often seen as taboo or difficult, particularly in the African-American community
- Can be used to build support for important services, such as cancer screenings, Pap tests, affordable birth control, and testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections
- Can help eliminate the stigma associated with talking about sexual and reproductive health
Watch the full film (20 minutes)
Actor and activist Gabrielle Union participated on a panel to discuss the attacks on women's health at a luncheon on January 27, 2012, in New York City. The event was a special event of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Gabrielle was joined on the panel by Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Cindi Leive, editor-in-chief of Glamour, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, and actors Julianne Moore, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and America Ferrera. (Photo: Actors Julianne Moore, America Ferrera, and Gabrielle Union).
Actor Tamara Tunie (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) and New York City Councilmember Letitia James co-hosted a screening of the documentary, A Vital Service, on February 27, 2012, in New York City. Screenings were also held in Washington, DC, and Atlanta, and on dozens of college campuses around the country, including several HBCUs. (Photo: NYC Councilmember Letitia James, Dr. Vanessa Cullins, PPFA Vice President of External Medical Affairs, and actor Tamara Tunie).