To the editor:

How much do you know about Planned Parenthood?

I’d say too many have little idea surrounding Planned Parenthood services and use extreme political rhetoric as a source of information. In fact, elected officials seem to be among the most uninformed.

Education and birth control allow us to prevent abortions. Don’t eliminate education and birth control.

Planned Parenthood advises and/or treats many health issues not only for women, also for men.

What do you know about sex? What do you know about sexuality? We hear about sex and sexuality almost every day, but much of what we hear is inaccurate and can be confusing. Planned Parenthood provides clarity on these matters aka education.

Planned Parenthood services nationwide for both men and women in 2009:

l Contraception — 35 percent of services;

l STI/STD testing and treatment — 35 percent of services;

l Cancer screening and prevention — 16 percent of services;

l Other Women’s Health Services — 10 percent of services;

l Abortion services — 3 percent of services.

Planned Parenthood provides valuable health care to all without discrimination.

Planned Parenthood is being grossly misrepresented by too many members of Congress, which instead represents misinformation. How can so much congressional intrusion represent less government?

Perhaps it would be wise to keep a close eye on any political party that feels it is necessary to keep reminding voting taxpayers that it is the party of “less big government.” In fact it may be only political rhetoric.