FOCUS. MAY 2024
Here we are again, in Court-watching season. During its current term, the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on two cases that will significantly impact the abortion access landscape across the country. Yet another case challenging the very existence of Planned Parenthood is working its way through the federal court system. Opponents of abortion rights know they cannot win in the court of public opinion, so they’re trying to use the judicial system – targeting courts stacked with anti-abortion judges – to undermine democratic institutions and restrict reproductive rights.
All of this legal maneuvering and the wave of abortion bans we have witnessed in over 20 states since the 2022 Dobbs decision are designed to take away control from the only person who should be making your personal decisions: you. These attacks all have the same end goal: banning abortion nationwide and making sexual and reproductive health care inaccessible. Period. And they are already having ripple effects in every single state across the country. In some places and for some communities, those ripples are more like tidal waves.
But there IS hope. Here in Connecticut and Rhode Island, we can set an example. We need to be the states that show that when all people have real, meaningful access to the care they need and real agency over their bodies, lives and futures, whole communities become healthier, stronger, and can truly thrive.
In states like ours, where abortion access is protected, we have an opportunity and an
obligation to demonstrate what is possible when meeting more of our communities’ needs.
In this newsletter, you will learn more about how we are expanding access to abortion and contraception, connecting with more young people through innovative sex ed programming, and building deeper partnerships with communities to make care more accessible.
As a safety net health care provider, PPSNE is committed to providing care, no matter what. But it takes real resources to live up to that promise. Roughly half of PPSNE’s Connecticut patients have public insurance. Nearly all of our patients struggle to afford daily necessities. And reimbursement rates for our care continue to lag far behind the skyrocketing costs of delivering care. For family planning services, our current reimbursement covers less than half of the cost of providing that care. For family planning services, our reimbursement covers less than half of the cost of providing that care.
There are great challenges facing our patients, our organization, and our movement. But the opportunities to make a difference are also great. Your support truly makes a positive impact on the lives of so many people across our two states, and those who are counting on us from outside of our region. Thank you for being a part of our PPSNE community. We simply could not do our vital work without you.
Amanda Skinner President and CEO Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
Paid Family Medical Leave:
Connecticut and Beyond
Connecticut’s paid family medical leave program has become a focal point of discussion not only within the state but also on a national scale. Recently, our President and CEO Amanda Skinner joined a roundtable event featuring acting U.S. Secretary of Labor, Julie Su and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro to deliberate on the impact and future trajectory of this groundbreaking initiative.
The event was hosted by MATCH (Manufacturing and Technical Community Hub), a New Haven based nonprofit that provides commercially relevant manufacturing job training to help create pathways to competitive employment.
Dozens of state lawmakers, nonprofit representatives, and business leaders participated in the roundtable, discussing their experiences with Connecticut’s program and advocating for its expansion at the federal level. With 12 states already implementing similar programs, the momentum behind paid family medical leave continues to grow, propelled by both bipartisan support and the endorsement of the Biden administration.
“85% of our patients live at or below the poverty line. They bring their lives with them into our health centers, and we hear first-hand the challenges they face being able to find ways
to care for themselves and their families.” said Amanda at the event, “And while at Planned Parenthood we were already providing our staff with paid parental leave, we are proud to have played a significant role in passing Connecticut’s policy, because we see the impact of more comprehensive paid family medical leave on the lives of our patients and our staff.”
PPSNE proudly joins other advocates in the fight for further expansion of Connecticut’s paid family medical leave program, building on its initial successes by amending eligibility criteria and coverage. The roundtable provided a space to celebrate the potential of paid family medical leave in promoting economic resilience, gender equality, and societal well-being. Policymakers nationwide are looking to Connecicut and the success of our program as inspiration to shape the future of our nation’s workforce. We are grateful to our supporters like you who enable and empower us to play this critical role in shaping the future of not only Connecticut, but the lives of families across the country.
UNFOLDING
Zines, pint-sized publications that blend DIY culture with the creative exploration of writers, artists, and activists alike, are taking the world of sex education by storm thanks to two PPSNE educators, Jessica Duggan and Sophia Washburn.
Zines have a rich history of allowing space to express topics that many consider taboo and Jessica and Sophia are embracing this to enhance the sex education they bring to their students. Each semester, students pick a topic and create a two-page spread. With magazines, brochures, and old materials as resources, students delve into topics like healthy relationships, consent, and decisionmaking around sex. Jessica and Sophia emphasize the idea that Zines aren’t about creating perfectly designed pages— Zines are about self expression and fostering powerful conversations around important topics.
But the Zine project doesn’t stop there. Jessica and Sophia took it to the national stage, presenting their Zine curriculum at the 2023 National Sex Ed Conference in Atlantic City.
They shared their insights on using Zines as a tool for sex education, emphasizing collaboration, community building, and the power of DIY culture.
Jessica and Sophia continued to spread their message virtually at the Drawing Water from a Deeper Well conference, hosted by Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Embracing the digital format, they found ways to engage participants, encouraging them to explore the intersection of Zines and sex education in their own classrooms.
As they look ahead to future semesters, Jessica and Sophia are excited to watch the Zine project evolve and are looking forward to continuing their journey to transform sex education, one page at a time.
IN SEX
Thanks to your support, for the first time ever, the Spring Luncheon raised $1,000,000 to help ensure PPSNE can continue providing care to patients across Connecticut, Rhode Island, and beyond!
Focusing on Access: Abortion
and Contraception
From expanding the number of available appointments to improving how visits flow, our aim is always to make essential services more readily available to those who need them. We are reducing wait times for abortion visits thanks to innovative operational processes, the integration of telehealth services, and the evidence-based training of additional advanced practice clinicians to provide abortions.
Telehealth services provide a convenient and safe option for individuals seeking abortion care, especially for people who face barriers to accessing in-person visits. With telemedicine, we can offer medication abortion consultations remotely, ensuring that individuals can access care without unnecessary delays or hurdles.
“In 2024, our wealth of data and the expansion of telehealth proves the safety and effectiveness of medication abortions, particularly before 11 weeks gestation,” said Dr. Ayiti Maharaj-Best, Medical Director at PPSNE, “The insistence on unnecessary ultrasound requirements by certain states is not supported by medical science. In Connecticut and Rhode Island, where adherence to scientific evidence prevails, we prioritize screening based on medical history, allowing clinicians to make informed decisions about safe medication abortions without the need for unnecessary in-person visits.”
This year PPSNE is also adding Opill, an over-the-counter birth control pill, into our service offerings. Opill gives patients a convenient new way to access contraception, complementing our existing efforts to provide comprehensive reproductive health care. We’re committed to ensuring that Opill remains affordable and accessible to all individuals, regardless of their insurance status.
PPSNE’s ability to expand access is driven by our unique impact as a health care provider and trusted advocate for policy change in our two states. Most recently, Connecticut Medicaid coverage was updated to include telehealth abortion, a major win for access in our region.
“We are so grateful to our advocacy team for working to update our state’s outdated regulations that did not align with modern practice,” said Dr. Nancy Stanwood, Chief Medical Officer at PPSNE, “This exemplifies the united effort between our advocacy team and clinical department, underscoring the importance of all the branches of PPSNE in driving positive change.”
With a focus on telemedicine and innovative practices we’re committed to ensuring that abortion care remains accessible, safe, and supported. It is through the support of donors like you that we can make a difference in the lives of countless individuals seeking essential reproductive health care services.
5
Building Partnerships with Southeast Asian Communities
An Initiative to Foster Access and Awareness
PPSNE is taking an active role in addressing the need to increase access to essential services within the Southeast Asian community of Rhode Island, with grant support from Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA).
Spearheaded by Vimala Phongsavanh, Senior Director of External Affairs, and members of our education and training team, this initiative seeks to bridge the gap between underserved populations and vital resources.
PPSNE is teaming up with Rhode Island based AANHPI groups, PRISM (Providence Youth Student Movement), Arise (Alliance of Rhode Islanders for Southeast Asians), and The Cambodian Society of Rhode Island. These organizations, deeply rooted in community advocacy and support, represent a lifeline for marginalized individuals and families navigating complex legal, social, and health care systems.
This program involves a multifaceted approach, beginning with a series of workshops designed to educate and empower community members. Workshops cover a spectrum of topics, from
reproductive health education to legal rights awareness, tailored to meet the diverse of participants spanning different age groups and backgrounds.
Another significant aspect of the initiative is a planned visit to the Rhode Island State House, providing an opportunity for participants to engage with legislators, tour the building, and familiarize themselves with the inner workings of their government. The goal is to demystify the political process and empower community members to advocate for their rights and interests effectively.
To read this full story and all our FOCUS content, check out our blog:
MAKE A LASTING IMPACT: Leaving a Legacy
The Hepburn Potter Legacy Society is named in memory of two lifelong advocates of reproductive freedom, Katherine Martha Houghton Hepburn and Dr. Charles Potter. This legacy society was established to recognize, honor and thank those donors who have included PPSNE in their life or estate plans or those telling us of an intention to make a gift. Members of our legacy society continue a powerful history of change. Their generosity allows us to continue to provide thorough and relevant education to our community’s youth, as well as affordable, confidential and compassionate care for every one of our thousands of patients.
For more information about how you can establish your legacy please contact: Claire Phipps claire.phipps@ppsne.org 401-479-5029
It’s Easier Than You Think!
By becoming a member of the Hepburn Potter Legacy Society, you will help sustain access to reproductive health care and education for generations to come.
• You can make a gift through your will with simple language.
• You can make PPSNE a beneficiary of a retirement plan (IRA or 401k) or life insurance policy by filling out a Beneficiary or Change of Beneficiary form.
• You can set up an annuity or trust that pays you income while leaving a meaningful gift to PPSNE
• We encourage you to let us know if you include PPSNE in your life or estate plans. Not only can we express our gratitude, we can also make sure you are kept up to date on all that is happening here at PPSNE.
You can include the following language in your will or codicil: I hereby give, devise and bequeath $____________(or description of specific asset or % of net estate) to Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, 345 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut, 06511, for its general purposes.
How To Include PPSNE In Your Will
