Would You Give the Gift of Planned Parenthood?
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We all have those "hard to buy for" people on our lists, but Planned Parenthood of Indiana is offering one solution -- gift certificates for its services! Available in $25 denominations, the certificates may be just the thing for many women who are finding themselves uninsured or unable to otherwise pay for care. Of course this new gift on the block is also stirring up some controversy as opponents argue that the vouchers could also be applied toward abortions. And then there's the matter of giving and receiving these -- would you do it? Ok, maybe it's not something you'd bring to the office Christmas party or slip in a card to your Secret Santa, but do you think the gift of healthcare is a good idea or is it something that's a little "too personal"? We checked in with iVillagers to get their take on the matter. The ladies on the Lipstick Lounge board were more than happy to weigh in:
"I'm all for ANY way of reducing healthcare and prescription costs. I'm all for empowering people to take control of their healthcare." -- cl-melmentioned
"I'm pro-Planned Parenthood. I think they do a lot of good for a lot of people who would be in trouble without them. However, I have to say, I think this is completely inappropriate. I would never give one, nor would I accept one as a gift. I would actually be beyond insulted if someone gave me one. Geez. Talk about an awkward gift to feign excitement over. Bad enough pretending you love that ugly sweater..." -- apple376"I would never give this to someone as a gift. I think it's even a little disgusting for a gift idea to be honest, and would make an inappropriate gift in almost ANY situation." -- rhodapenmark"For those who are not on public aid and don't have health benefits, but are working hard, possibly supporting families and scraping to get by, this might be a welcome gift. Not having access to healthcare is a big issue in our country. I can't imagine this idea was sparked by people who thought about giving them as stocking stuffers instead of a Bath and Body Works card or something!" -- michelle76nj"I see absolutely NO problem with a parent buying their college child one. Sure they may say they don't need them but better safe than sorry if they decide they would like to go. Not all children are going to go to their parents and discuss this with them. I know I didn't." -- prinycesa07
"I think it's great. Women have been putting healthcare at the bottom of the list. It would make a great gift for someone who doesn't have health insurance and wants to get checked out. For the opposition to sit and complain that they can be used for abortions and focus solely on that is ignorance." -- penguinite"I like the idea of gift certificates. People are out of work right now, which means health exams are getting put off, so it allows women to still get their Pap smears and birth control. The problem is that people think of Planned Parenthood solely as an abortion provider. I'm not sure about other locations, but the one in my area refers patients to an abortion clinic rather than performing the procedure at its facility." -- falcon02
It seems that most are on board with providing help for the cost of these exams and services, especially in light of the economy, but many are just not sure they'd feel comfortable giving -- or receiving -- such a gift. More reaction from the Current Debates and Hot Topics in Health communities:
"They are seeing people cut back on healthcare in recent times. Women aren't getting their [Pap smears] and mammograms. I think giving someone a gift of health care is awesome and loving." -- hottllipps
"I think it's a nice thing to have available to purchase for a person who has said that they'd like this service but can't afford it. I cannot imagine giving it to someone who did not request it, and it does not seem to me like a Christmas gift." -- my4lovies
"I would find a gift certificate for birth control extremely offensive. As far as looking at it for a pap smear, I still don't like it. If someone knew my situation and wanted to discreetly offer to help me pay for an appointment, that would be one thing." -- atozmamma
"I can see giving the gift certificate to someone who otherwise wouldn't have necessary services provided due to cost. Would I want one? Not now, but 10 years ago, sure." -- cl-mrsbear