Planned Parenthood declared Tuesday "National Pink Out Day" and is running a series of events throughout the country as some politicians try to take down the organization.
As part of #PinkOut Day, free STD testing is being offered in 28 cities. You can see the full list and find locations here.
I can't stress enough how important it is for you and your partners (no matter how ill-defined they may be...) to get tested regularly, and this is a great opportunity to go get it done.
STD testing is one of many health services, including women's health exams, cancer screens, the provision of contraceptives and, of course, abortions, provided by Planned Parenthood.
National Pink Out Day is happening on the same day the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is having a hearing on the controversial videos released by anti-abortion group The Center for Medical Progress alleging to show Planned Parenthood sells fetal remains.
Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards will be testifying in the house. In written remarks, Richards said 1 percent of Planned Parenthood's clinics obtain fetal tissue for researchers.
Tissue is obtained with permission of the person having the abortion, Planned Parenthood said. It is used to seek cures for diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Richards said,
Planned Parenthood is proud of its limited role in supporting fetal tissue research.
Republicans are threatening to cut federal funding for Planned Parenthood, a fight they've been making for years.
Federal funding for Planned Parenthood does not go to abortions. Without Planned Parenthood, many people, especially low-income women, would completely lose access to medical services, according to Vox.
Citations: Planned Parenthood to Offer Free S.T.D. Testing on National Pink Out Day (The New York Times)
