Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood is a a health care provider that exclusively works with female reproductive health and education.

According to the Planned Parenthood website, 20 percent of American women will receive health care from Planned Parenthood at least once in her life. About 90 percent of Planned Parenthood's services are preventive in nature. This means they help test for sexually transmitted disease, test for cervical and other cancers as well as advise contraceptive methods for women who do not want to get pregnant. In 2008, Planned Parenthood performed nearly 11 million services, 35 percent of which were contraceptive-related.

Planned Parenthood is a noted advocate for sexual health education geared toward women of all ages. Its nonprofit, Planned Parenthood Action Network ,is a grassroots organization dedicated to helping women learn about pregnancy prevention and being sexually healthy.

Among its most popular services, Planned Parenthood performs pregnancy and STD testing, prenatal care, abortion, adoption referrals and helps menopausal women.

Planned Parenthood's pro-choice stance on abortion laws have made the organization controversial and stigmatized. In 2008, 3 percent of its services were abortion-related. However, the organization offers extensive information for pregnant women thinking about adoption and may be a safe place for a teenager who is unprepared to talk about her pregnancy with anyone to get informed advice about her options without feeling pressured or defensive about her situation.