Planned Parenthood Advocate

UN Declares Access to Contraception a Human Right

For the first time, the U.N. Population Fund’s (UNFPA) annual report, released November 14, explicitly declares family planning, including access to contraception, a universal human right.  In keeping with the UNFPA's mission to create “a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled,” this report examines both the financial and social repercussions of decreased access to contraception.

The report identifies 222 million women in developing countries as having an unmet need for voluntary family planning.  According to the UNFPA, an investment of $4.1 billion in funding to allow everyone in developing countries access to family planning would result in an annual $11.3 billion reduction in costs for maternal and newborn health.  The UN also points out a correlation between accessible family planning, increased productivity and the resulting improvements to a region’s economy.

Increased voluntary family planning access is not just an issue of economics.  Dr. Osotimehin states, “Family planning is not a privilege, but a right.  Yet, too many women – and men – are denied this human right.”  The UNFPA’s annual report identifies a number health and social factors impacted by this unmet need, including high rates of unintended pregnancy and HIV, increased infant mortality, decreased ability to attain an education and gender inequality.  According to Dr. Babatunde, Executive Director of the UNFPA, “Not only does the ability for a couple to choose when and how many children to have help lift nations out of poverty, but it is also one of the most effective means of empowering women.”

Planned Parenthood has always understood how fundamental family planning is to the wellbeing of women. In Minnesota, Planned Parenthood is proud to offer no-cost birth control for qualifying women through the 4NOW program.  4NOW also covers the cost of annual exams, emergency contraception, STI screenings and more!  Planned Parenthood accepts most kinds of insurance, and our doors are open to everyone, regardless of ability to pay.

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By Kelly, Web Correspondent, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund

STIs on the Rise in South Dakota

Alanna McFall

A disturbing trend has recently come to light concerning the spread of sexually transmitted infections in South Dakota.

The South Dakota Department of Health has released the July 2012 Health and Disease Summary, a monthly report that records the numbers of reportable diseases in South Dakota from the beginning of the year through July, and compares the numbers to the average recordings found in the last five years.

 2124 cases of Chlamydia were recorded between January 1^st and July 31^st, a 24% rise from the five-year median. Numbers of HIV/AIDS have risen by 33%, and rates of gonorrhea came in 58% over the previous average.

Perhaps the most startling rise, however, comes in the recorded cases of syphilis. Nine cases of syphilis have been reported in South Dakota in 2012. However, as the disease has been so rare in the area, this is a rise of 350% from the five year median ("July 2012 Health and Disease summary").

These numbers, and the ages behind them, highlight the importance of sexual education for people of all ages, and especially among teenagers and young adults. The new cases of gonorrhea and Chlamydia are largely focused in the 15-24 year old demographic, with 185 gonorrhea cases and 1530 Chlamydia cases. The nine syphilis cases, however, are all comprised of older adults, with six cases reported in people between ages 40 and 64.

The lack of awareness and education abut safer sex is reflected in these troubling numbers. In an interview with The Daily Republic, a South Dakota publication, state epidemiologist Dr. Lon Kightlinger said “People aren’t having safe sex…[State reporting] can go a long ways to helping stop these diseases from spreading, but it is still alarming to see how this disease can start with one person and spread like a web” (Huber).

Hopefully, unfortunate numbers like this can bring about the push for greater openness and education about the spread and risks of sexually transmitted infections. Schools need to be able to give their students thorough, factual and practical information about the sexual choices they are making, and parents need to be willing to have the conversation with their children as well. Only then can the spread of these serious diseases be stemmed.

New Drug Approved for HIV Prevention

Earlier this month, the FDA approved a new drug in the fight against HIV, one that lowers the risk of transmitting the virus to a partner.  The drug, Truvada, is the first of its kind, working to prevent transmission in high risk communities before it happens. While this drug cannot totally eliminate the risk of contracting the virus, used in combination with other safe sex practices, this drug substantially alleviates the chance of contracting the virus.  One study found that correct use of the drug lowered the risk of contracting HIV by 75% in heterosexual couples and 42% in same-sex couples.  These findings mark a substantial milestone in the effort to reduce the spread of HIV.  Many in the public health community are hopeful that the approval of this drug will be able to reduce the rate at which the virus spreads.  Over the past 15 years, the rate of HIV infection has held steady at about 50,000 new cases per year in the US.

July is HIV Awareness Month

This month is the inaugural National HIV Awareness month, marking a new opportunity to raise awareness about the HIV epidemic in the United States. The CDC estimates that nearly 1.2 million Americans are currently living with HIV and that approximately 50 million Americans will contract the virus each year.  What’s more, one in five people with the virus is unaware of their HIV status. 

National HIV Awareness month aims to reduce the stigma that those living with HIV or AIDS often face, as well as to strengthen efforts against the spread of the virus. There are many ways to participate in this month: getting yourself tested for HIV and other STIs, HIV education, vigils, walks, displays, conferences and more.  To learn more about how to participate, visit http://www.nationalhivawarenessmonth.org/

Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota offers rapid HIV testing throughout all its health centers.  This simple HIV test uses oral swab of a cheek and makes it easier than ever to know your HIV status and protect the sexual health of yourself and your partner. 

Moira, Web Correspondent, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Datoka

Pregnancy and Abortion Rates Drop Over Past 20 Years

A recent report by the National Center for Health Statistics shows that the number of live births per 1,000 women has dropped from 70.9 in 1990 to 68.1 in 2008.  This decrease also includes a 40% decrease in teenage births, and though communities of color continue to experience teenage pregnancy at significantly higher rates, rates among black and Hispanic communities fell significantly.  Furthermore, the report shows a shift in child bearing age, with substantially fewer women having children in their early twenties, instead waiting to have children, with a  38% increase in pregnancies among women 35-39, and a 65% increase for women 40-44.

These decreases in pregnancy are accompanied by a substantial decrease in abortion rates. In 1990, there were 27.4 abortions per 1,000 women; in 2008, 19.4. Though abortions were down among most demographics, most notably, there was a significant drop in abortions among teenagers.