Support UHPP while you shop for holiday gifts!

There are two great ways to support UHPP while shopping for loved ones!

Shop at smile.amazon.com!

• Login in with your amazon.com username and password at smile.amazon.com.
• Select Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood as the beneficiary of proceeds from your purchases.
• To learn more about AmazonSmile, click here.

Participate in the Yankee Candle fundraiser for UHPP!

• This fundraiser is run by Lab School students at Bethlehem High School in honor of UHPP’s 80th anniversary.
• 40% of the fundraiser’s proceeds support UHPP’s mission.
• Shop from now through New Year’s Eve to support UHPP!
• Login to yankeecandlefunraising.com.
• Type in Group Number 990072906 to access the online fundraiser store.

Tis the season to give!  Please consider a gift to UHPP today.  If you'd rather just give a one-time donation directly to the agency, please contact the Development office at 518.434.5678 x.121 or email Amber at amber@uhpp.org.  Thanks, and happy holidays!

The staff of UHPP are pleased to sponsor a family in the
Adopt-a-Family program every year for the holidays.

Planned Parenthood Celebrates 80 Years of Choice!

Last month, UHPP hosted its fabulous 80th anniversary event, and as an attendee, I must say, I couldn't have been more thrilled.

Hosted at the newly renovated and stunning 60 State Street ballroom, there was a definitive "old Albany" vibe to the event, which is apropos, because when Planned Parenthood got its start in Albany, it was 1934, the great depression was in full swing, and women and families needed safe access to family planning services more than ever.

Curb Your Enthusiasm's Susie Essman received UHPP's inaugural Giraffe Award for sticking her neck out for choice.  She gave a hilarious performance peppered with moments of poignancy, and she and UHPP CEO Chelly Hegan urged guests to continue to stand up for choice.

The Giraffe Award was created by Albany artist Dana S. Owens of The Machine, a Creative Co-op, who, ironically, operates a studio on the property of UHPP's former Lark Street location. One could call it kismet.

Local food vendors donated some creative and amazing dishes, including; Taste, New World Bistro Bar (owner and local celebrity Rick Orlando manned the station himself!), Healthy Cafe Catering, The Capital Eatery & Lounge, and more.

Photography services were donated by Ianelli Photography.

There are still ways you can help raise funds for UHPPs historic 80th year.

• Have a party!  Seriously, have a party.  Invite a staff or board member from UHPP to come and talk about the organization, or perhaps charge a small cover to donate to the agency. 
• Come to our Comedy for a Cause event on December 19. Here is all the info. Seriously, you should go. Last year's was a scream, and we raffled off a ton of great prizes. Whether you plan to attend or not, you could help us out by "liking" us on facebook, and liking and sharing our stuff.  Invite your friends to the event!
• Finally, just keep caring. It's no secret that the midterm elections were a bit of a disappointment, and more people will be attacking Planned Parenthoods across the nation in a potentially unprecedented manner.  While we may feel safe in NYS, remember; as long as people are out there trying to shut us down, women are in danger.  Speak out! Vote!

I will leave you with this short little slideshow I made commemorating our first 80 years, so check it out.  It serves as a helpful reminder of how different it was in 1934, when the Great Depression held the nation in its merciless grip, and so many families were destroyed.  Perhaps, in another 80 years, we will finally be able to stop fighting for what should be a no-brainer;  equal rights, healthcare, and choice.

Hilarious Video Showcases How Clueless We Can Be About Sex

The folks at CollegeHumor put together a fun video highlighting how clueless people can be when they're younger, even right up to their first sexual experience.  Don't leave your kids in the dark, parents.  TALK TO YOUR KIDS!

"Viagra Versus the Pill;" Should Insurance Cover Both?

Lisa Campo-Engelstein, Ph.D. of Albany Medical College posted an illuminating piece regarding the hypocrisy behind the fact that Viagra is covered by insurance, yet there is a constant brouhaha over the coverage of birth control pills.  Far be it from me to imply that healthy sexuality is elective; I understand how vital healthy sexual potency is for well-being of individuals and relationships.  But it does seem as if there is an unfair balance in that regard.  If sexual potency is important, isn't also choosing when or when not to become parents?  Especially when raising a child beyond one's means costs the taxpayer so much more?

Dr. Campo-Engelstein points out:

"Some feminists argue that part of the reason we understand and treat pregnancy and impotence differently is because we have different standards for women's and men's health, which result from the traditional gender norms at play in our society. We (as a society) expect women to adhere to norms of chastity (e.g. fall on the “virgin” side of the virgin/whore dichotomy by not having sex until marriage) and one way we do this is by limiting their access to sexual and reproductive health care. In contrast, because our notions of masculinity are tied into sexual prowess, we are more receptive to providing health care for men who are not able to maintain an erection."

Further:

"The ACA includes contraception as a form of preventive care because it recognizes the risk unintended pregnancy poses to the women, their partners, the children, and their families, as well as the public more broadly."

If the last bit is true (and it is), then why are people trying to restrict access to this vital preventative service?

It really boils down to the basics; patriarchy. The article goes into much greater detail about the misalignment of what is considered necessary healthcare for women vs men, and its potential effects on women. I highly recommend giving it a look, and tell your friends. The fight isn't over until the needs of women are considered just as important to those of men.

It's Trivia Time!

Last year's UHPP team before annihilation

Tonight is the 3rd Annual PPYL Trivia Tournament!  If you read my post about the tournament from last year, you'll see that I talked a lot of smack about loving Jeopardy and junk.  Well, it so happens that we got our asses handed to us big time, so the UHPP team is excited for a rematch!

The event will again be held at Brown's Brewing in Troy, from 6pm-9pm.  Registration is preferred, and you can do so on the Eventbrite page.  Returning as host is Beau Comeaux, who absolutely killed it last year.  I'm not just saying this because I'm biased-- but seriously-- this event is so much fun.

I should also mention that we will have awesome prizes to raffle off, in addition to the winning team's receipt of the coveted Golden Speculum award. We don't want anyone to end up with bookends, so come and challenge last year's champions!  The funds raised will help support UHPP and our patients during its landmark 80th year.

Cost: $25 or $10 with valid student ID. 21+ only. PPYL is a group of 40-ish and younger local professionals committed to the mission and activities of UHPP, who have expressed interest in meeting and networking with like-minded individuals in an informal atmosphere.

Your Boss Can Now Decide If You Can Have Access to Birth Control.

From Planned Parenthood Action:

BREAKING: The Supreme Court just issued a ruling that will take birth control out of the hands of women who need it. Their decision gives employers the power to deny women the new birth control benefits of the Affordable Care Act — allowing bosses to force their personal beliefs on employees.

This isn't over. We’re not going to let a handful of extreme bosses and politicians turn back the clock — we’re moving forward, not backward, and we're not done fighting for women's access to birth control.

I want to be more like Eleanor Roosevelt

A Note to Texas Republicans from Jon Stewart

In response to the fact that the Texas GOP has endorsed "Gay Reparative Therapy," a fact that makes me want to vomit, Jon Stewart, as usual, excels with his snarky truth-bombs.  See for yourself.

From the Comedy Central official Tumblr page:

Game, set, match.

Editorial Debunks Abortion Myths Perpetuated by Hollywood

This editorial, excerpted after the jump, examines abortion in pop culture-- particularly film-- and how it is inaccurately portrayed.  Interestingly enough, aside from the references to the film Juno, I never actually consciously noticed it myself.  As I was reading this post, however, it became glaringly obvious how negatively abortion is portrayed in Hollywood.  Don't get me wrong-- abortion is not an easy thing for a woman to have to do, and the hope is that sex will eventually become so universally safe, that cases will drop dramatically-- a trend that is actually happening nationwide.  I'm not saying that it should be glorified, but why perpetuate these awful lies?  Are they trying to scare women away from getting the help that they need?

The film industry not only presents a universally negative projection of abortion and the people who choose to have them; it's downright unrealistic.  This terrific editorial by Elizabeth Plank debunks the eight biggest lies Hollywood tries to sell to viewers about abortion, and talks about a new film who may help dispel all of these awful myths.

The 8 Biggest Lies About Abortion, Debunked by the Year's Most Important Rom-Com

by Elizabeth Plank  

Coming out of the theater following the widely acclaimed film Juno, I remember being furious. I left feeling betrayed by a so-called progressive film that depicted such backward views about women's reproductive realities. More than that, I felt sickened by the fact that I had wasted $11 on a movie that inaccurately portrayed abortion as something scary or gross and perpetuated the myth that only women bear responsibility when it comes to children. Because I knew that seeing an abortion in a negative light in a movie makes viewers less likely to support abortion access, it worried me. 

Frustrated, I embarked on a mission to find media that realistically depicted these life events — but I couldn't find any. That is, until Obvious Child, perhaps the first "abortion comedy" ever successfully made. It makes all the other films that "sorta" explore pregnancy, reproductive choices and women's sexuality look like total malarkey

1. Abortion is a very painful procedure.
Going through an abortion is not easy, but one of the myths about the procedure is that it is incredibly painful. The abortion scene from Blue Valentine unfortunately reinforces that idea; however, the scene in Obvious Child shows the lie behind this perception. 

It goes without saying that every woman's experience and level of discomfort is different, but Slate's character Donna shows an experience much more reflective of the one most women face. She receives local anesthesia, is visibly relaxed from the meds but is clearly emotionally affected with tears in each eye. According to Planned Parenthood, for many women, the "pain is similar to menstrual cramps," while for others it can be "more uncomfortable." 

The bottom line is that the common perception that abortion is somehow gruesome and physically harrowing is not the experience of the majority of women. 

"The abortion experience is different for every person," Lizz Winstead, a comedian and cofounder of Lady Parts Justice told PolicyMic. "One thing I always hope for all women who choose to end a pregnancy is that they do not feel shame about it. This film gives women permission to make a choice with no apologies, and they did a brilliant job of it."

 Click here to read on as Ms. Plank deconstructs seven more myths perpetuated by Hollywood.

(Note from me-- I'm surprised that the article doesn't mention the Cider House Rules, a terrific movie that realistically shows that abortion can be a safe and even life-saving process. It does take place in the 1940's when abortion was obviously illegal and much more taboo, and it does a good job of showing what it was like to need to sneak around and find a way to have the illegal procedure, and the potential complications of failing in this attempt. I very much recommend checking it out.)

National Journal: "Why Abortion-Rights Activists Should Fear the Supreme Court"

A rather unsettling article appeared in the National Journal yesterday, and I won't sully it with excess commentary.  I just would like to take a moment to remind everyone of how fortunate we are to live in New York, but the ripple effect of an unfavorable ruling from the Supreme Court could be disastrous, even for us.  Therefore, without further ado, I recommend you all read this.

Why Abortion-Rights Activists Should Fear the Supreme CourtA high-court ruling is seen as a likely last-ditch effort to stop sweeping antiabortion legislation passed in Texas and other states. But counting on a win is a very risky gamble for the law’s opponents.
By Sophie Novack and Sam BakerMay 18, 2014
The abortion-rights movement is on the verge of a massive gamble.
The movement is trying to roll back a wave of state laws that have successfully curtailed access to abortion, and their best hope for doing so—perhaps their only hope for doing so—is likely a ruling from the Supreme Court. Advocates could soon get their wish: A Texas antiabortion law appears headed to the high court as soon as its next session, and a ruling against it could put other states' abortion restrictions on the shakiest of legal ground.
But it's also a move that could backfire: The advocates have no guarantee the Court will rule in their favor. The panel is divided and exceedingly difficult to forecast, and it could issue an unfavorable ruling that would not only sanction the Texas law—but also pave the legal way for new antiabortion laws nationwide.
"I think it is a huge risk," said Heather Busby, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Texas. "My concern is that at least four, if not five, justices don't have the same level of empathy for the burdens women face that we see on the ground."

Read more

Let's Talk About Sex!

This Wednesday, May 7 at 7pm, Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood is hosting a film screening of Let's Talk About Sex. I have had the pleasure of seeing this film, and it really is illuminating. Of course, I personally find the subject matter fascinating, having always had an interest in how sexuality is approached in different cultures, and my continued bafflement of how it is regarded in many aspects of American life.  Countless studies have shown that a more direct approach in our dealings with teenagers and sex means that they (duh) have a much better understanding of the subject matter and will be better prepared.  Sounds pretty simple, but so many people simply can't deal with the concept. This film examines the contrast between the rather puritanical approach utilized by many American families, and the more practical method utilized by Europeans.  Which culture has fewer teen pregnancies and instances of STIs? I guess you'll have to check it out.  After the film, which is about an hour long, there will be a panel of experts to engage the audience in a discussion.  Please visit the Facebook event page and/or Eventbrite to find out more and RSVP.

From the Times Union:

"Let's Talk About Sex (The Movie)" is about more than just sex. The film focuses on sex and sexuality in today's society and how those attitudes affect teenagers. Director James Houston talks to teens and families about the subjects, and examines how other nations deal with protecting adolescent sexual health. The movie won the Youth Award at Spain's Mostra de Ciencia e Cinema Festival and was an official selection of the Provincetown International Film Festival. Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood will sponsor a free screening of the film this week. A panel discussion will follow, featuring College of Saint Rose Visiting Professor Ellen Cole, University at Albany Sexuality Educator/Counselor Carol Stenger and Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood President Chelly Hegan. 7 p.m. Wednesday. Free (donations accepted). Spectrum 8 Theatres, 290 Delaware Ave., Albany. 449-8995.

(Note from me: the Times Union write-up did not mention the inclusion of Dyrleif Bjarnadottir on the panel, a member of the UHPP Board of Directors, mother, and European who has been living in the US for quite some time, and has some interesting observations to share about the subject.)

Check out the trailer!

The Troy Confectionery to Host a Benefit for UHPP

If you haven't been to the Confectionery (full name: Charles F. Lucas Confectionery & Wine Bar) in Troy, you need to get yourself over there as soon as possible.  It's an absolutely beautiful space, lovingly renovated in the classic Troy fashion; a little bit speakeasy, a little bit steampunk, but 100% awesome.  They have a great tapas menu and dozens of wonderful wines and beers to try-- they even have wine on tap, a fact that never ceases to delight me, for reasons that I cannot fully comprehend.

This is the second fundraiser that Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood's Young Leaders has had at the Confectionery.  The owners have been nothing but wonderful to us, and it's great to connect with such supportive community partners. It is UHPP's 80th anniversary year, and we're trying to get as many people out in support of the occasion as possible.

Last year's PPYL event at the Confectionery

The fundraiser will be held this Wednesday, April 23rd, from 6-9 PM.  We will be on their gorgeous patio, weather permitting, and a variety of cheeses and charcuterie will be provided for your nibbling pleasure.  Tickets are only $20 and are available for purchase at: http://uhppcocktails.eventbrite.com

For more information, please contact Amber at 518.512.9028 or by email at amber@uhpp.org.  We do hope to see you there!

Many thanks to Albany Medical Center, our PPYL sponsor for the third consecutive year!  We are so grateful for their continued support.

The Hilarious and Illuminating Oatmeal Post about Religion

In case you haven't seen it, check it out here.  While it may appear to casually mock religion, please be assured that it does not. What it does lampoon, are the people who get it all wrong, and make life difficult for others.  Religion can be a wonderful, peaceful experience, but the moment that experience oppresses others and threatens individual freedoms, then there's something very wrong.

Passion and Compassion for 2014

I once got into an epic argument with an aunt of my husband's on Facebook. It was all prompted by a sarcastic status update deigned to point out the hypocrisy and cluelessness of bigots in their suppression of marriage equality. I wrote: "My husband and I have no intention of having children. Does this mean our marriage is invalid??"  This was a dig at those who say that gays shouldn't wed because the "true" purpose of marriage between a man and woman is procreation. Well, this relative, who is against marriage equality, said that I was 'insulting her gay friends by making light of the issue.' I, a champion for equality, who has attended rallies and marched in pride parades, was somehow insulting her gay friends by attempting to point out society's failure through humor.  As the argument progressed, the preposterousness of her statements enraged and flabbergasted me to such a degree, that I actually shut down.  As bullies do, she attempted to prove her ridiculous point by belittling me, making me look frivolous, and essentially punching holes in my logic by saying I wasn't a serious person. 

We all have that relative.

Time has passed, and I have made only one resolution this year: NO MORE BULLSHIT.

I wish that I could somehow wear a neon sign with the sentiment blazing across my body.  I will no longer be weak when dealing with an internet bully whose own self righteousness has warped their mind into believing that they are making a lick of sense.  I wish I could go back to that day and do it better.  Instead of crumpling in defeat, I wish that I had used my anger to propel my argument further forward.  I wish I had said, "No. I am not insulting your gay friends, because I fight for them. I believe, down to my very core, that people like you, who think you're hip for having gay friends but still don't want them to have access to the same basic rights you do, are part of what's wrong with this world.  Because you still feel, deep down, that your friends aren't normal, that they may be denied access to heaven, and that marriage is only between a man and a woman. What sort of friend are you?!"

There are so many people who scratch their heads and say, 'why can't gay people just be together-- why do they have to get married?'  Well, it's because by design, our legal and financial systems fail loving couples who, for one reason or another, cannot legally wed.  I cite the heartbreaking tale of Edith Windsor and Thea Spyer, an American couple who legally wed in Canada after a 40 year engagement.  Two years later, Spyer tragically died, and Windsor was required to pay $363,053 in federal taxes on her own wife's estate because the US government didn't recognize same sex marriage as a legal union. 

Windsor took the case before the Supreme Court and won, subsequently causing the Supreme Court to re-examine the constitutionality of DOMA (The Defense of Marriage Act), which was also struck down.

Former Minnesota Vikings player Chris Kluwe said it best when he wrote to

Chris Kluwe: BAMF

Maryland State Legislator Emmet C. Burns, Jr.:

"I can assure you that gay people getting married will have zero effect on your life. They won't come into your house and steal your children. They won't magically turn you into a lustful cockmonster. They won't even overthrow the government in an orgy of hedonistic debauchery because all of a sudden they have the same legal rights as the other 90 percent of our population—rights like Social Security benefits, child care tax credits, Family and Medical Leave to take care of loved ones, and COBRA healthcare for spouses and children. You know what having these rights will make gays? Full-fledged American citizens just like everyone else, with the freedom to pursue happiness and all that entails. Do the civil-rights struggles of the past 200 years mean absolutely nothing to you?"

Ohh burn. Unfortunately, Kluwe subsequently lost his job with the Vikings, a move he suspects is in large part because of his own outspokenness for equality. It's so sad and frustrating that it's 2014 and champions for justice are still being treated in this way. It has to stop. While I am frustrated, I am determined not begin 2014 with anger, but with passion, and the strength to keep fighting.

2014: the year of NO MORE BULLSHIT!