New Supporter of Life Needs Our Help

[mandajane]

Planned Parenthood does change the prices of pregnancy tests, at least, based off whether or not you are going to abort. I was in the Planned Parenthood in Midland, TX, with a good friend of mine who was worried she was pregnant. I had offered to buy her a pregnancy test from the pharmacy, but she told me she needed the official slip of paper (the one from a doctor with a due date) so that she could apply for insurance. I offered to take her to my OB, but she thought it’d be ‘too expensive’ and she could ‘just walk in’ to PP. I finally agreed to go with her, just because I knew I couldn’t sway her decision to go there, but that I might be able to prevent the abortion propaganda.

When we walked up to the counter, she asked about the prices for pregnancy tests. The girl behind the counter told her “5 dollars”. She signed in, and we sat down and waited. 10 minutes later, another young woman opened the door, and called her. I started to come with her, but the nurse told me that I couldn’t come back there with her. She started to freak out a bit, insisting that she needed me for ‘moral support’. Finally the nurse relented. Things proceeded like a normal doctor’s appointment until the woman said “So, you’re pregnant. Will your husband be happy about that?” My friend (we’ll call her Judy) said, “I’m not married.” At which point, the girl picked a sheet of paper up off the counter, and handed it to her. It was a price list for abortions. She said “I’ll have one of our counselors in to talk to you in a moment.” She then turned to me, and said, “This is confidential, so I need you to leave.” Judy threw a fit, insisting that she wouldn’t talk to -anyone- without me present. The nurse kept pushing it, that I needed to leave, and finally Judy had enough. She told the girl that she just wanted her proof of pregnancy so she could go. At which point, we were informed that since she wanted an ‘official proof of pregnancy’ it would be 45$, plus the 5$ for the test. She was very frustrated and emotional, so she paid, got her paper, and we left.

I should go on to say that Judy had a healthy baby girl who is the absolute apple of her mother and father’s eyes, just like her little brother.

 

[Cat]

We may be rated 9th most miserable city to live in the United States, but for decades, we have had a free clinic in our city that treats men, women, and children on a sliding scale.

The free clinic does NOT perform abortions. No hospital or clinic in our city performs abortions. A few weeks ago, after two decades of horror, the only abortion clinic in our city closed permanently. (I posted a thread about this in the World News section.)

I’m pretty certain that the free clinic prescribes contraception and fertilizatoin. But not abortion.

I’m also pretty certain that the clinic counsels adoption for women who are experiencing a crisis pregnancy. That’s something that PP is not likely to suggest.

The clinic does plenty of cancer screening not only of women, but men and children. And those who are diagnosed with cancer get treatment.

There are several locations of the free clinic, and all of them are beautiful buildings (several are re-habbed buildings, and one is in an old Catholic school that closed down decades ago when the Catholic population shifted east). All of the locations are in neighborhoods easily accessible by the poor. There are also two satellite locations in nearby small towns with sizeable poor populations.

The staff at these clinics is excellent–good doctors, RNs, and other health care professionals. The lab in our hospital (the place I work) does the lab work for the clinic. We do a good job.

What I’m trying to get across is that this free clinic is not some dingy, run-down hole in the wall managed by volunteers who dispense free coffee and advice to druggies going through DTs and prostitutes who need antibiotics for their monthly case of gonorrhea… We’re talking about a modern clinic run by the best of medical personnel. Lots of people who “fall between the cracks” use this clinic. It’s been a God-send for those who get laid off or who are downsized from their good-paying job. I would not be afraid to use this clinic if I lost my current job and had no money.

The clinic is mainly funded by rich people who hold glamorous balls and silent auctions and lavish banquets and celebrity date nights and that kind of frou frou throughout the year. They have a great time at these $1000.00/ticket events, and the funds raised go to the free clinic to to help the poor. Various corporations in the city give large amounts to keep the free clinic going. And regular folks help out too–there are plenty of “Fun Runs” and other fund-raisers that people like me can afford to support that help out the free clinic.

I don’t know if any public monies or taxes goes to support this clinic. I think not, although I’m sure there are tax breaks for the clinic.

IMO, this is the answer to places like Planned Parenthood. I think every city, or at least every region, should have some kind of free clinic where women, as well as men and children, can go to get care for gynecological needs, cancer screening, etc.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

We may be rated 9th most miserable city to live in the United States, but for decades, we have had a free clinic in our city that treats men, women, and children on a sliding scale.

The free clinic does NOT perform abortions. No hospital or clinic in our city performs abortions. A few weeks ago, after two decades of horror, the only abortion clinic in our city closed permanently. (I posted a thread about this in the World News section.)

I’m pretty certain that the free clinic prescribes contraception and fertilizatoin. But not abortion.

I’m also pretty certain that the clinic counsels adoption for women who are experiencing a crisis pregnancy. That’s something that PP is not likely to suggest.

The clinic does plenty of cancer screening not only of women, but men and children. And those who are diagnosed with cancer get treatment.

There are several locations of the free clinic, and all of them are beautiful buildings (several are re-habbed buildings, and one is in an old Catholic school that closed down decades ago when the Catholic population shifted east). All of the locations are in neighborhoods easily accessible by the poor. There are also two satellite locations in nearby small towns with sizeable poor populations.

The staff at these clinics is excellent–good doctors, RNs, and other health care professionals. The lab in our hospital (the place I work) does the lab work for the clinic. We do a good job.

What I’m trying to get across is that this free clinic is not some dingy, run-down hole in the wall managed by volunteers who dispense free coffee and advice to druggies going through DTs and prostitutes who need antibiotics for their monthly case of gonorrhea… We’re talking about a modern clinic run by the best of medical personnel. Lots of people who “fall between the cracks” use this clinic. It’s been a God-send for those who get laid off or who are downsized from their good-paying job. I would not be afraid to use this clinic if I lost my current job and had no money.

The clinic is mainly funded by rich people who hold glamorous balls and silent auctions and lavish banquets and celebrity date nights and that kind of frou frou throughout the year. They have a great time at these $1000.00/ticket events, and the funds raised go to the free clinic to to help the poor. Various corporations in the city give large amounts to keep the free clinic going. And regular folks help out too–there are plenty of “Fun Runs” and other fund-raisers that people like me can afford to support that help out the free clinic.

I don’t know if any public monies or taxes goes to support this clinic. I think not, although I’m sure there are tax breaks for the clinic.

IMO, this is the answer to places like Planned Parenthood. I think every city, or at least every region, should have some kind of free clinic where women, as well as men and children, can go to get care for gynecological needs, cancer screening, etc.

Men and children can and do go to PP too, and at least all of the clinics I’ve been to have been very nice and modern. And their staff is made up of RNs, OB/GYNs, PAs, and doctors. Oh, and as for offensive remark about their clientele, I’m sure that there are people like that that go, but most of the people I encounter are broke college students, young professionals just starting out, immigrants, and very young families who are living in poverty.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Planned Parenthood does change the prices of pregnancy tests, at least, based off whether or not you are going to abort. I was in the Planned Parenthood in Midland, TX, with a good friend of mine who was worried she was pregnant. I had offered to buy her a pregnancy test from the pharmacy, but she told me she needed the official slip of paper (the one from a doctor with a due date) so that she could apply for insurance. I offered to take her to my OB, but she thought it’d be ‘too expensive’ and she could ‘just walk in’ to PP. I finally agreed to go with her, just because I knew I couldn’t sway her decision to go there, but that I might be able to prevent the abortion propaganda.

When we walked up to the counter, she asked about the prices for pregnancy tests. The girl behind the counter told her “5 dollars”. She signed in, and we sat down and waited. 10 minutes later, another young woman opened the door, and called her. I started to come with her, but the nurse told me that I couldn’t come back there with her. She started to freak out a bit, insisting that she needed me for ‘moral support’. Finally the nurse relented. Things proceeded like a normal doctor’s appointment until the woman said “So, you’re pregnant. Will your husband be happy about that?” My friend (we’ll call her Judy) said, “I’m not married.” At which point, the girl picked a sheet of paper up off the counter, and handed it to her. It was a price list for abortions. She said “I’ll have one of our counselors in to talk to you in a moment.” She then turned to me, and said, “This is confidential, so I need you to leave.” Judy threw a fit, insisting that she wouldn’t talk to -anyone- without me present. The nurse kept pushing it, that I needed to leave, and finally Judy had enough. She told the girl that she just wanted her proof of pregnancy so she could go. At which point, we were informed that since she wanted an ‘official proof of pregnancy’ it would be 45$, plus the 5$ for the test. She was very frustrated and emotional, so she paid, got her paper, and we left.

I should go on to say that Judy had a healthy baby girl who is the absolute apple of her mother and father’s eyes, just like her little brother.

An official proof of pregnancy form usually costs money, and you have no reason to believe that it cost her extra because she wasn’t planning to abort.

I have never been allowed to have my fiance back there with me, no matter how much I plead. They always ask questions about whether or not your partner or family is abusing you, and about whether or not someone coerced you in to pregnancy or abortion. That’s very common practice at a lot of places. Even my brother can’t be in the room when his wife goes to her gyno, and she uses a regular one.

 

[maryjk]

An official proof of pregnancy form usually costs money, and you have no reason to believe that it cost her extra because she wasn’t planning to abort.

I have never been allowed to have my fiance back there with me, no matter how much I plead. They always ask questions about whether or not your partner or family is abusing you, and about whether or not someone coerced you in to pregnancy or abortion. That’s very common practice at a lot of places. Even my brother can’t be in the room when his wife goes to her gyno, and she uses a regular one.

I could not imagine my GYN not allowing my husband back with me.

Fine, take the woman away to ask if she really wants her husband to come back with her. But there is no reason to refuse to listen to a woman’s pleas. That is simply cruel.

 

[GracedUpon]

I could not imagine my GYN not allowing my husband back with me.

Fine, take the woman away to ask if she really wants her husband to come back with her. But there is no reason to refuse to listen to a woman’s pleas. That is simply cruel.

This. I couldn’t imagine my husband not being allowed to attend my OB appointments with me. When I was pregnant, they just had me fill out an abuse screening questionnaire in the bathroom when I had to provide a urine sample.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

I could not imagine my GYN not allowing my husband back with me.

Fine, take the woman away to ask if she really wants her husband to come back with her. But there is no reason to refuse to listen to a woman’s pleas. That is simply cruel.

I agree. I have a terrible anxiety disorder and going in to the office alone for something that intimate is very hard. My SIL is allowed to have my brother come back after the initial abuse interrogation. However, since I am unmarried they are very against it.

It makes me sad that we live in a world where every man is a suspect. But because abuse is so common and medical professionals see it so often they pretty much have to be. I am so grateful that my fiance has never so much as raised his voice to me. I wish all women were as lucky.

Side note: he’s 6’6 and 330 lbs. A lot of people look at him with suspicion when I so much as have a bruise on my arm, even waitresses are rude about it.

 

[maryjk]

This. I couldn’t imagine my husband not being allowed to attend my OB appointments with me. When I was pregnant, they just had me fill out an abuse screening questionnaire in the bathroom when I had to provide a urine sample.

I have been questioned when I was sent to change out of my clothes.

I agree. I have a terrible anxiety disorder and going in to the office alone for something that intimate is very hard. My SIL is allowed to have my brother come back after the initial abuse interrogation. However, since I am unmarried they are very against it.

I really think I would walk out of the office and let them know that if they can’t trust my husband, I can’t trust them.

The fact that you are unmarried, I am not sure that “I” approve of him going back for a GYN visit. I know there are sometimes different rules depending on the relationship. I had a friend that shared a room after she gave birth. Husbands and fathers were allowed to stay the night. Boyfriends weren’t. Her roommate wanted her boyfriend, not the father of the baby, to spend the night. He got kicked out.

With your anxiety disorder, is there anyone else (female) that could go back with you?

 

[BlueEyedLady]

I have been questioned when I was sent to change out of my clothes.

I really think I would walk out of the office and let them know that if they can’t trust my husband, I can’t trust them.

The fact that you are unmarried, I am not sure that “I” approve of him going back for a GYN visit. I know there are sometimes different rules depending on the relationship. I had a friend that shared a room after she gave birth. Husbands and fathers were allowed to stay the night. Boyfriends weren’t. Her roommate wanted her boyfriend, not the father of the baby, to spend the night. He got kicked out.

With your anxiety disorder, is there anyone else (female) that could go back with you?

Oh heavens no! I would die before I let a woman (or anyone but my fiance) come back with me. I’m sure that if I really pressed or worked it out before I came in for my appointment he could come back. I try to respect their rules though, because I understand them and I think its important to help abused women.

And like a poster said above they are usually against female friends and family too. It isn’t just about physical abuse, they want to make sure that no one in your family is coercing you in to BC, sex, abortion, pregnancy, etc.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

I have been questioned when I was sent to change out of my clothes.

I really think I would walk out of the office and let them know that if they can’t trust my husband, I can’t trust them.

The fact that you are unmarried, I am not sure that “I” approve of him going back for a GYN visit. I know there are sometimes different rules depending on the relationship. I had a friend that shared a room after she gave birth. Husbands and fathers were allowed to stay the night. Boyfriends weren’t. Her roommate wanted her boyfriend, not the father of the baby, to spend the night. He got kicked out.

With your anxiety disorder, is there anyone else (female) that could go back with you?

I made it clear the one time that I was hospitalized that my fiance would be treated as a husband or they weren’t treating me. Interestingly enough, despite it being a Catholic hospital it worked, and he was allowed to be there for everything.

 

[maryjk]

And like a poster said above they are usually against female friends and family too. It isn’t just about physical abuse, they want to make sure that no one in your family is coercing you in to BC, sex, abortion, pregnancy, etc.

And I see it that they don’t want your friends and family to be there so THEY can coerce you. Sorry, after they verify that you are not being forced to be there or to do anything, they need to allow my husband back. Otherwise, out the door I go.

I took my son to a dentist that wanted him to come back alone. Then after the cleaning, counting the teeth and x-rays, they would come out and talk to me. Still keeping my son in the back while they talked to me. Sorry, Charlie. I come back or he doesn’t.

We walked out and found a dentist that respects my family.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

And I see it that they don’t want your friends and family to be there so THEY can coerce you. Sorry, after they verify that you are not being forced to be there or to do anything, they need to allow my husband back. Otherwise, out the door I go.

I took my son to a dentist that wanted him to come back alone. Then after the cleaning, counting the teeth and x-rays, they would come out and talk to me. Still keeping my son in the back while they talked to me. Sorry, Charlie. I come back or he doesn’t.

We walked out and found a dentist that respects my family.

I’m willing to go along with silly rules for free treatment for my endometriosis, but I’m an adult. NO ONE would tell me that I can’t be with my child. Good for you!