Fieldwork+day++February+4+Women+in+the+World

Today we met with Kate at the administrative offices of Planned Parenthood. They weren't expecting us until 10:00, so we started our day with a bit of breakfast and then took the 151 bus to 18 S. Michigan Ave. The bus ride was generally uneventful, but as it was a snowy day the buses ran in packs. Three 156 Lasalle buses came and went before the pack of three 151s arrived. We were all aboard the one that actually stopped, though this one had its problems. The electrical system would keep failing and the driver would have to restart the bus with much stomping on a foot pedal. We had plenty of time, and it was an interesting performance. [|Planned Parenthood] was gracious and fascinating. They talked to us about their work. Only 10% of their reproductive care involves abortion services. The rest is reproductive health care, birth control, pregnancy and disease testing - for both men and women - especially for women with no other access to a gynecologist. They have sliding scales, birth control at no cost to women who qualify, and they work with Medicaid to provide services to as many women as possible. We also heard from women who are involved in outreach, activism, and advocacy. None of the girls had ever heard of or were aware of the Universal Gag Order signed into law (as his first order of presidential business) by Bush. This order denies funding to any international aid organization that even mentions abortion or directs women to someone who can mention abortion. Big surprises! We also worked on a project for them. They were creating goodie bags for women who have exams on Feb 13 & 14th - their Valentine's Day promotion. The bags were white paper sacks with the logo - Do You Need Back Up? In each bag we placed a coupon for 10% off an exam, a list of clinics, an //I support Planned Parenthood// sticker, conversation hearts, a chocolate heart, a lollipop with a tongue tatoo, and ...best for last...two flavored, colored, [|condoms] and a tube of flavored lubricant. Flava' of love indeed. From their site: code format="release" "Social taboos make some women embarrassed to buy and carry condoms. That's why PROPER ATTIRE(TM) was created," said PPFA President Cecile Richards. "With its fashionable wrapping, women will now have the option to choose the right 'attire' for that special occasion. Responsible decisions about sex are everybody's personal fashion statement." With four trendy styles -- Basic (regular); Color (colored); Dot (studded); XL (extra large) -- PROPER ATTIRE: Required for entry(TM) is a safe, yet fun and fashionable way to make sure you are properly protected. code Needless to say, the girls LOVED this part of the day. We talked. They laughed. We talked about talking to their parents about sex ("the Horror!"). My favorite quote of the day was. "I'd rather talk to you about sex, Mrs. Tabor!" Some "samples" found their way into pockets, so I'm sure that word is on the fourth floor by now. There was some mention of how horrified some parents might be to find these pockets full of illicit treasures. We also put together enough bags for three of their clinics! We were back at Parker by shortly after 12:00.