• 7/28/05 Update on federal funding for abstinence-only programs
• 8/15/05 Update on 4parents.gov
• 4/4/2005 Families are speaking out
• 3/14/2005 Help Planned Parenthood protect patient privacy
• Various: IRCRC actions

UPDATE: 7/28/05 The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee granted an increase of only $1.8 million for abstinence-only programs, far below the President's request of $38.6 million, and the House's increase of $11 million. 7/28/05

UPDATE: 8/15/05 Sen. Arlen Specter included language in the spending bill for the Health & Human Services agency directing a review of 4parents.gov, a government-sponsored website that is inaccurate and biased. IRCRC signed on to a letter thanking Sen. Specter for this action. 8/15/05

Contact the FDA and encourage the agency to approve over-the-counter access to emergency contraception (EC). You may e-mail the FDA at d.commissioner@fda.hhs.gov. Or, you may phone the office of Commissioner Lester Crawford at 301-827-2410 or fax Crawford at 301-443-3100. Originally scheduled to announce its decision on Sept 1, the agency has delayed its decision for at least 60 days. EC is a concentrated dose of birth control pills. It prevents unplanned or unintended pregnancy when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex or failed contraception. It is safe and does not cause abortion. By making EC available over-the-counter, countless women could prevent unintended pregnancy and avoid the need for abortion.

Families are Speaking Out! 4/4/2005
The U.S. Government Must Meet the Needs of All American Families!
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a new website: www.4parents.gov. This website states that it is intended to help parents and caregivers talk to young people about sex and relationships, but it falls far short of this goal and instead uses fear, censorship, and ideology to divide American families. In addition to providing inaccurate information, the website fails to address the real needs of families, especially parents of youth who may be sexually active, youth who have been or are being sexually abused, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Let Secretary Leavitt, the head of HHS, know that Families Are Speaking Out! about 4parents.gov. To send Secretary Leavitt a message, please go to Families Are Speaking Out! at: www.familiesaretalking.org To view the concerns of nearly 150 organizations INCLUDING THE INDIANA RCRC detailed in a letter to Secretary Leavitt, go to http://www.siecus.org/policy/Advocates/advo0002.html. As parents and caregivers, your voices are critical in helping the government realize that 4parents.gov is shortchanging the very families and parents it was intended to serve! Show them — Families Are Speaking Out! William A. Smith Vice President for Public Policy The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) 1706 R St NW Washington, DC 20009 202-265-2405 Voice 202-462-2340 Fax

Though we have requested additional information, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has refused to reveal an explanation of the nature or the sweeping scope of this investigation.  Instead, they have threatened to cut off all Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood if we do not allow them full access to any patient record they desire.  Loss of Medicaid funding would be devastating to our patients who rely on those funds for their reproductive health care.  At all times, Planned Parenthood acts in accordance to state and federal law, and there is no cause for any investigation by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.  After consulting with legal counsel, it is our belief that this is not an inquiry but a witch hunt that violates the constitutional rights of Planned Parenthood and its patients.  With the help of the Indiana Civil Liberties Union, we have filed for an injunction to stop this unlawful search and seizure of records and invasion of privacy.

Since 1932, Planned Parenthood of Indiana has provided confidential, high quality education and medical services.  In 2004, our 40 health centers served over 108,000 patients for approximately 320,000 total medical visits, and we served an additional 25,000 clients through educational programs. Trust is a cornerstone of why our clients choose Planned Parenthood as their provider of vital health services.  We will not violate that trust.  Planned Parenthood clients should never have to face the daunting possibility of politicians poring over the details of their private medical files.  As guardians of patient privacy, we will continue to protect confidential medical records until a court rules that we should behave otherwise.

Sincerely,
Betty Cockrum, President and CEO

What can I do to help?

• Watch for press coverage in your local papers, radio stations, and television stations.  Email advocates@ppin.org to make sure we know about what you've heard.
• Write a letter to the editor of your local paper:  why would an Attorney General who was elected on privacy issues (no-call list) want to invade patients' privacy?
• Donate.  Your contribution helps us protect, provide, and promote reproductive health.