Res. No. 1247

Resolution recognizing Planned Parenthood’s accomplishments in delivering vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide for 100 years

By Council Members Garodnick, Cumbo, Rosenthal, The Speaker (Council Member Mark-Viverito), Levin, Palma, Richards, Koslowitz, Johnson and Chin

Whereas, On October 16, 1916, Margaret Sanger, her sister, and a friend opened America's first birth control clinic in Brooklyn, serving poor, immigrant women, some of whom lined up hours before the doors open; and

Whereas, At the time, contraception was illegal and all three women were convicted of disseminating birth control information; and

Whereas, Sanger appealed her conviction and continued to fight for access to birth control through the courts and also by creating multiple organizations to promote the research of birth control and the founding of birth control clinics; and

Whereas, These organizations eventually merged into Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc.; and

Whereas, Through decades of successes and setbacks in its unfailing and tireless push for access to family planning for all women, regardless of income, Planned Parenthood has developed into the remarkable network of organizations that it is today; and

Whereas, Planned Parenthood currently has 57 distinctive, locally governed affiliates nationwide operating approximately 650 health centers, which reflect the diverse needs of their communities; and

Whereas, These health centers provide a wide range of high-quality, affordable medical care with a focus on prevention, including contraception, screenings for cervical and other cancers, and testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, as well as abortion services; and

Whereas, One in five American women has chosen Planned Parenthood for health care at least once in her life; and

Whereas, With 80 percent of their patients receiving services to prevent unintended pregnancies, Planned Parenthood health centers estimate that their services help prevent 579,000 unintended pregnancies in a single year; and

Whereas, Planned Parenthood health centers provide vital health care services such as 270,000 Pap tests and more than 360,000 breast exams in a single year, as well as 4.2 million tests and treatments for sexually transmitted infections, including more than 650,000 HIV tests; and

Whereas, Planned Parenthood affiliates provide comprehensive sex education that empowers women, men, teens, and families to make informed choices and lead healthy lives, reaching 1.5 million young people and adults every year through their programs and outreach; and

Whereas, With its 8 million activists, supporters and donors nationwide, Planned Parenthood organizations advocate for policies throughout the country that enable access to comprehensive reproductive and sexual health care, education, and information; and

Whereas, Planned Parenthood Global also works with local partners in Africa and Latin America to overcome barriers to reproductive and sexual health care and information; and

Whereas, The 100th anniversary of Planned Parenthood is the perfect occasion to recognize the years of work and dedication to ensuring an individual’s right to make informed, independent decisions about health, sex, and family planning; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York recognizes Planned Parenthood’s accomplishments in delivering vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide for 100 years.

LS # 6643/8801

CP

10/7/16