FOCUS SEPT’24
Finding Clarity Amid the Chaos
From Amanda Skinner, President & CEO
This summer has been a hot one, literally and metaphorically. Heat waves and extreme weather have wreaked havoc across the nation and the temperature of our polarized public discourse continues to boil over. In this constantly swirling climate of anger and fear, I find it helpful to step back, visualize the very different future we are fighting for every day at Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, and remind myself that together, we can make this vision a reality.
SUPREME COURT ROUND UP: A Year of Persistent Threats to Reproductive Freedom
This year, as we marked the second anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision that stripped away our federal constitutional right to abortion, we found ourselves amidst another highstakes court season where reproductive freedom faced significant threats at the federal level. These ongoing legal battles, grounded in lawsuits motivated by politics and control, not by health care safety – continue to erect barriers to essential reproductive health care and leave our patients grappling with uncertainty, fear, and confusion.
The work that our incredible team does each day, alongside our volunteers, partners, and supporters, is essential to forging a path towards our vision of a just society where sexual and reproductive rights are basic human rights, where health care is equitable and accessible to all, and where each person lives their healthiest life.
In our region we are not immune to the impacts of devastating events and fraught tensions across the country and around the world. Here at PPSNE, our community members are counting on us to face up to the deeply rooted challenges of a flawed health care system and help eradicate barriers to care. Connecticut and Rhode Island can be the states to demonstrate the transformative impacts of ensuring all people have meaningful access to the care they need. We have the opportunity and thus the obligation in our states to nurture this future vision of healthier, thriving communities until it is fully realized. Your support is essential to powering this vital work – we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for being our unwavering partners in our shared effort to make true reproductive freedom a reality for all.
Mifepristone: The Supreme Court ruled that a group of anti-abortion physicians did not have standing to challenge the FDA’s actions related to the approval of mifepristone. Mifepristone will remain on the market and accessible in states where abortion is legal. However, this attack on medication abortion could continue, as the case will be sent back down to federal district court Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who has already allowed the states of Kansas, Missouri, and Idaho to intervene in the case.
EMTALA: For nearly six months, as a direct result of SCOTUS, Idahoans were denied access to emergency abortion care. While access to emergency abortion care has been restored in Idaho for now, the court has kicked the can down the road, leaving access to emergency care for pregnant people across the country under threat.
What Our Patients Are Saying About Us: Real Experiences from Real People
At PPSNE, we strive to provide the best care and support for our patients. We’re honored to share a small sample of the heartfelt feedback we’ve received from those we’ve had the privilege to serve.
Quick, Efficient, and Compassionate Service
“My experience at the health center was truly amazing! Everyone was super nice and helpful. The nurse even sat with my baby while I had to get an ultrasound.”
“I was nervous for my appointment and asked if it was possible to hold someone’s hand. I don’t remember the nurse’s name, but she offered to and stayed with me the whole appointment.”
Friendly, Attentive, and Knowledgeable Staff
“The physician I saw was fantastic. She showed a great deal of concern about my worries and was helpful in providing further information on what I was concerned about. She was very knowledgeable and personable, and although she thought my concerns were unfounded, she was never dismissive and offered a follow-up appointment.”
“The staff is always attentive and welcoming every time I come to this facility. They provide excellent service and empathy to the patients.”
“The health center staff listens very well and focuses on your main concerns. They also don’t try to talk you into anything you do not want, which is a huge plus for me!”
“My care provider is more than just good. She includes you in all decisions, is always friendly, and makes you feel comfortable. I love her and hope she never leaves.”
“I have been a patient since I was 15 and now I’m 42. I was also part of the teen clinic. I have always loved this place. I am very comfortable here.”
“They always welcome you and ask how you are doing. It makes me feel like family, like I belong.”
A Positive and Respectful Atmosphere
“The staff was very courteous, the receptionist greeted me with a smile, the clinic was clean, and everyone seemed to be in good spirits. The provider was very informative and treated me with respect and dignity.”
“The staff is the most beautiful. It is the first time I attended, and I found it very nice on behalf of all those who work there. I really congratulate them.”
The voices of our patients drive our efforts to deliver the best possible patient experience. Their feedback helps us live up to the highest promise of our mission and our focus on health equity – and tells us how we can do better. Your continued support ensures that our services remain accessible to our patients and that we are providing safe, high quality, equitable care.
This summer we celebrated Pride at festivals across Connecticut and Rhode Island. We got to chat and share resources with thousands of people across our two states and show support for our LGBTQ+ community members, staff, and donors. Pride month may be over but we’re celebrating the community at Planned Parenthood year round!
How To Include PPSNE In Your Will:
It’s Easier Than You Think!
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.
For more information about how you can establish your legacy please contact: Claire Phipps claire.phipps@ppsne.org 401-479-5029
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Providence Mariott 1 Orms Street, Providence RI. Feat. Samantha Bee and Amanda Skinner
