Mission: To provide and protect access to the full spectrum of reproductive choices.
Founded: In 1916 as the National Birth Control League.
Demographics: The Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), one of 149 Planned Parenthood organizations worldwide, is comprised of 120 regional affiliates. These affiliates operate 860 facilities that distribute birth control and information on safe sex and birth control; some of these facilities are full-service clinics that also perform abortions.
Supporters Say: Without Planned Parenthood, sexually transmitted diseases would be more widespread, more women would have unplanned pregnancies, and many women who need abortions would be forced to take matters into their own hands.
Critics Say: Planned Parenthood encourages sexual promiscuity and the use of abortion as birth control.
I Say: While Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading abortion provider, it is also the nation's leading outlet for information on safe sex and birth control. Planned Parenthood may well prevent more abortions than it performs.
