I grew up in a home where sex was not discussed. It goes without saying that birth control was off the table entirely. Thank goodness for Planned Parenthood. I knew about the clinic because they came to my school to answer questions. I had so many; about periods (menstruation), rubbers (condoms), the pill (birth control), date rape (rape). 

I parenthesize the words in use today to show how language has progressed in the 40 years since I hit puberty. I despair that the same cannot be said for reproductive health care.

I only visited Planned Parenthood once, but knowing the clinic was there was enough to make me feel less alone. It never occurred to me this resource might disappear. 

Here is what we know: when we deny contraceptive health care to girls and women, everyone suffers; stress goes up, income goes down and abuse and addiction proliferate. Pregnant women and new mothers die way more often than they should. 

Here is what I know: my sister was conceived by accident and was born with a chromosomal disorder. I was conceived three years later; also by accident, around the time my parents were grappling with the reality of raising a disabled child. My mother was young, and based on my experience of being raised by her, not at all prepared to parent.

I wish, with every cell in my body, that Planned Parenthood had been there for her. I wish the same for every woman who feels alone.

Amy Partridge-Barber
Cape Elizabeth