Roe V. Wade

To ring in the New Year Planned Parenthood put on a benefit event celebrating the Roe v. Wade decision to legalize abortions. The Panthers for Planned Parenthood tagged along to lend support at this event, providing chips and dip, as well as a veggie tray, and working different booths throughout the night.

At this event Crystal gave an opening speech introducing the celebration as well as welcoming specific guests. The entertainment of the night were 5 poets who gave different reads correlating with the theme of the night. One poem that was read was written by a woman giving a narrative of having undergone several miscarriages. This poem was particularly moving because the reader had difficulty reading the complete poem because she was so involved. Following this poem was the announcement that Charlie Norr had been chosen as our champion of choice this year.

Charlie told the story behind his support for planned parenthood. He discussed how when he was first married he was working for the military and barely making 30 bucks a month. His wife badly wanted a child but was unable to bare one for the first several times that they tried. Their doctor recommended starting her on birth control in order to better indicate when she would be ovulating and unfortunately birth control was 10 dollars at the time. This was a third of their monthly money and they simply could not afford it. Charlie turned to planned parenthood. Ever since they have helped him and his family out he has been helping them out.

Prior to the entertainment Panthers for Planned Parenthood and VOX members sold raffle tickets to be entered for specific prizes such as Roller Derby tickets, gift cards to The Grotto, and a $40 gift certificate to a local tattoo parlor. Buttons, shirts and bumper stickers were also on sale at this time. One woman who bought 4 bumper stickers remarked how her job had transfered her to Springfield from the East Coast and she was unsure weather or not there was even an active planned parenthood which she loved to support. She was glad that Crystal had planned the Roe v. Wade event and was able to meet with other Planned Parenthood supporters.

Doing work with Planned Parenthood has really opened up my eyes to the diversity that lies within Springfield. Although there are moral issue which surround the community service our Summit house is performing, I am still very grateful for the opportunity because I have seen so many supporters of the organization we are working for.

This week Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. the Panthers for PP will be working a booth outside the Vagina Monologues performance getting signatures for the current petition to make birth control free. Hope to see you there.

If you have questions feel free to contact us.