As a male, I never felt comfortable giving my opinion on a controversial topic such as Planned Parenthood. It is a female-dominated topic of discussion, and rightly so.
I am writing in response to the op-ed viewpoint “The Right to Sexual & Reproductive Health” by Lisa Gardner that addressed Planned Parenthood as a right to the people (Jan. 3).
According to a new analysis by Guttmacher researchers, published in The American Journal of Public Health, 4.6 percent of women will have had an abortion by age 20, and 19 percent will have done so by age 30. It is a reassuring thought knowing there are resources for people who need the care that places such as Planned Parenthood provide.
Though reproductive health centers are usually known for abortion procedures and care, that’s not all they provide. STD screening, birth control, pregnancy testing and general health care are just a few services that Planned Parenthood provides. The organization accepts many people from a wide range of demographics, and accepts many forms of health care plans, as well as those who are uninsured.
Planned Parenthood is diligent in assuring that anyone and everyone is educated with honest and up to date information regarding anything related to its business and practices.
I truly believe that places such as Planned Parenthood are not only a valuable resource for the people who truly need it, but a basic human right to have in society.
Cory Castleman
Eugene
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
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