FALL 2020
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin Newsletter
SAFE
HEALTHY
STRONG
Here for you — no matter what. Key to safe, healthy, and strong communities is making sure everyone has access to the health care they need. While COVID-19 has changed lives in ways never expected, one thing that hasn’t changed — because of you and your support — Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is here for patients. No matter what.
Delivery of Care: Technology & Innovation In the earliest days of COVID with patients and staff top-of-mind, two new virtual health care platforms were added, allowing patients to receive uninterrupted high-quality care — while keeping patients, staff, and communities safe. The first platform added was the Telehealth system. It allows clinicians to treat patients via virtual visits on the phone or through a private secure video conference platform. While some medical conditions require an in-person exam, many services can be accessed completely via Telehealth. PP Direct
also launched — a mobile app offering patients birth control (pills, ring, and patch) and treatment for urinary tract infections, conveniently through a patient’s mobile phone. In addition to these robust virtual health care platforms, PPWI’s Education, Public Affairs, and Philanthropy teams also made the shift to online environments. Whether it’s a sex ed class, community partner outreach, or donor briefing, PPWI has successfully moved online to continue programming for communities throughout the state. Implementing these technologies will continue to expand access to education and care well into the future — meeting patients wherever they are. Because of your strong, consistent support these important new health care platforms are a reality and further underscore the collective commitment to Care. No Matter What. Thank you!
As a symbol of resilience and commitment to care, the Goddess of Fierce Protection was unveiled through the generosity of two PPWI Board Members at the Madison East (Madison) and Water Street (Milwaukee) Health Centers. The Goddess of Fierce Protection represents invincibility and strength in the face of negative forces, highlighting our collective resilience and PPWI’s commitment to provide health care, education, and advocacy to achieve freedom and justice — no matter what. ©BlackPaint Studios
selves and families healthy. We can want to ensure we are showing up 100 percent to support our friends and family AND we can be faced with the distractions of all the unknowns… schooling challenges... finding childcare… grocery shopping… when will COVID end? We can care about and support Black Lives Matter AND we can have someone in our own life in law enforcement whom we care about. We can be dedicated to the Planned Parenthood mission AND we can have someone in our life whom we care about deeply who doesn’t support the organization’s work.
Dear Friends, First, thank you for your many notes and calls. With your support, combined with your incredible PPWI team, of which I have the honor to lead, and the unflagging support of what I believe is one of the best boards in the state, we have collectively delivered upon an incredible mission of providing care, no matter what — in the face of a global health crisis, no less! As we have all learned to pivot and learn many new skills during this time, I’ve come to recognize this as the season of “And.” We are living in a time, in a country, where we are experiencing disruption, challenges, and conflict.
We are all being asked – and too often pushed – to see things as “either or” or “right or wrong” or “good or bad.” The reality is we can believe in more than one truth at the same time. Acknowledging the differences in our individual experiences and beliefs, while also recognizing our shared commitment to the Planned Parenthood mission. In talking with my colleagues at a recent all-staff meeting, I shared we can care about our patients AND we can be concerned about keeping our own
We can be energized by the mission, AND we can be tired by our tireless commitment. Make no mistake, living in the worlds of “Ands” is hard. It’s easier to draw a bright line, right or wrong, good or bad — especially when conflict and tragedy unfolds right here in our state. I want to acknowledge your continued support and all of our team members for keeping our health center doors open and community engagement moving forward in the wake of so many challenges. In addition to rallying around our mission, I want to remind you of an important election and the deadline to vote. As leaders in your community, I hope you’ll vote and remind others to do the same. You can find the most up-to-date information on myvote.wi.org. I am incredibly thankful for your support that keeps Planned Parenthood health center doors open for our families, friends, and neighbors to receive care, no matter what. With deep gratitude, Follow Tanya on Facebook as Tanya Atkinson
Save the Date* For the Fall turned Winter Event This is yet another COVID pivot AND we can’t wait to share all the juicy details — including the date (*most likely late February/early March) 1
Keep your virtual antenna tuned!
A Special Message from Tanya: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg As we collectively mourn the passing of Justice Ginsburg and all that it means for our country and democracy, I am heartened that we go into this fight together with you alongside 16 million Planned Parenthood supporters throughout the US. The loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a profound and painful loss for our country, our movement and our court. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s voice, spirit, values, and words will be deeply missed.
“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” ~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Justice Ginsburg committed her life to protecting the rights, freedoms, and health of women, men, and people across the country. She was a true trailblazer who inspired millions of girls and women to fight through sexism and discrimination to make America a better place to work, to live, and to love. That fight is on all of us now to preserve the ideals Justice Ginsburg spent her life’s work defending. Standing with Planned Parenthood is all the more critical in this moment. I am incredibly grateful for your commitment and your continued support of our work.
What’s at Stake and State of the Court: The fate of our rights, our freedoms, our health care, our bodies, our lives, and our country depend on what happens over the coming months. We have faced difficult challenges before, and we are determined to prevail. With the renewed determination of our supporters and an engaged community, we can make a positive impact on our future. The Court is scheduled to hear arguments in a case to strike down the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on November 10. If successful, the move would permanently end the health insurance program and wipe out coverage for as many as 23 million Americans in the middle of a pandemic. There are an additional 17 cases potentially impacting abortion access that are one step away from the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court was already a difficult court for reproductive rights with five conservative Justices and four progressive leaning Justices. Justice Ginsburg’s death makes the Court more difficult today. The Supreme Court has a history of operating with just eight Justices. In the event the Court takes up a case with only eight Justices that results in a tie vote, the Court of Appeals ruling stands.
What You Can Do: In this moment, all of us are reminded what is at stake and the importance of being civically engaged. If there has ever been a time to be involved it is now. Talk with your friends, family, neighbors, and others in your network about the importance of this moment -- and how to stay informed to make your voice heard on issues of importance. Together we will honor and cherish Justice Ginsburg’s legacy. We are prepared for this challenge and are determined to succeed in the coming months like the future of our country depends on it — because it absolutely does. With Gratitude for Your Strength and Determination,
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg 1933 - 2020
CELEBRATING PP WESTERN WISCONSIN’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY! In August of 2019, an exciting expansion of health care into Western Wisconsin was announced — three new health centers in La Crosse, Blair, and Sparta. The expansion of Planned Parenthood health care services was made possible by joining forces with Essential Health Clinic, an anchor for reproductive health care in the area for decades.
Current and Expanded Services •
Birth control
The merger of these two trusted community health partners in the face of Title X funding losses and other politically motivated barriers to health care, underscores the mission and the determination to provide education and health care for patients – no matter what!
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STD testing and treatment
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HIV testing
Now one year later, the same dedicated staff from Essential continues to work with patients, supporters, and community partners - now as Planned Parenthood - Western Wisconsin. Patients have benefited from the convenience of booking their appointments online, an expanded list of health care services, and most recently virtual telehealth care options.
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Pregnancy testing and options counseling
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Wellness exams and cancer screenings
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Early pregnancy complication services (miscarriage management)
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Endometrial biopsy and polyp removals
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Prenatal and postnatal care coordination
Because of the amazing support from community partners, supporters, and local officials Planned Parenthood - Western Wisconsin continues to provide high-quality affordable health care for patients who often have nowhere else to turn. Planned Parenthood - Western Wisconsin is continuing a long-standing tradition of community-based, nonjudgmental, and compassionate care, keeping Western Wisconsin safe, healthy, and strong!
Several neighboring businesses showed their support for PPWI on social media.
PP Western Wisconsin open house with community leaders and supporters of the former Essential Health Clinic toured the health center and met with staff. State Senator Jennifer Shilling and La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat were among those attending the event.
SUMMER 2019
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Roe v. Wade in 2020 — and Beyond The year 2020 marks the 47th anniversary of Roe v Wade. Access to safe legal abortion, however, still hangs in the balance — nearly half a century later. PPWI is actively fighting on behalf of our patients to remove unconstitutional restrictions on women’s access to safe and legal abortion.
Abortion Case Heard by Supreme Court In June, the US Supreme Court ruled to block unconstitutional abortion restrictions in June Medical v. Russo. The Court reaffirmed the 2016 Texas case (Whole Woman’s Health) that said restrictions on abortion must have a medical benefit, and not just limit access to care. The Court’s decision this summer, however, does not put an end to challenges to Roe. There are 17 cases already before U.S. appeals courts that could be advanced to challenge Roe at the Supreme Court level when the Court reconvenes for the next term going into 2021. With the appointments of Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, the Court’s balance has shifted — posing a real threat to the constitutional right to abortion care. If Roe should fall, Wisconsin’s 1849 criminal abortion ban could become effective immediately — effectively outlawing abortion in Wisconsin at any point in pregnancy. Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, however, won’t stop fighting for access. We will never turn our backs on our patients.
Together Our Voices Are Powerful Even in this challenging climate — with the unwavering determination of supporters like you — we will continue to move forward to enhance and expand access. Because of your support: • We’ve expanded abortion access in Northeast Wisconsin through the addition of medication abortion services at our Sheboygan Health Center. • We are actively working to repeal Wisconsin’s 1849 criminal abortion law in the state legislature. • We are in court challenging three unconstitutional abortion restrictions in Wisconsin to improve access to abortion. The trial is currently scheduled for this December. Further restrictions on abortion is not what people in Wisconsin or across the country want — seven in ten Americans support access to safe, legal abortion.* Planned Parenthood will never stop advocating for access to abortion and will fight with every tool at our disposal to protect the health and freedoms of our patients. It’s 2020 — and it’s our chance to turn the tide and take back control of our health, our bodies, our freedoms, and our future. Let’s go! *Source: Guttmacher Institute
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