Myth: Many Americans believe Planned Parenthood is essentially an abortion mill.
Fact: Abortions account for around 3% of the services performed by Planned Parenthood, but more than a third of their service is contraception, which reduces unwanted pregnancies—and abortions.
Myth: Many Americans believe abortion clinics use tax money for abortions.
Fact: The Hyde Amendment expressly forbids the use of government funds for abortions.
Roe v. Wade was a controversial decision, but the controversy has only grown ever since. Many Americans, even pro-choice advocates, have a sincere interest in reducing the number of abortions. But some pro-life advocates have gone beyond advancing their moral positions to advancing plainly false assertions. A considerable number of Americans believe that abortion providers, particularly Planned Parenthood, are primarily abortion mills, using tax money to violently murder unborn children. Furthermore, we’re led to believe that they take advantage of an underground market for body parts to profit from the suffering of vulnerable babies.
At Civics Nation, we believe that abortion is a right, subject to certain restrictions as with any other right. Manufactured scandals notwithstanding, Planned Parenthood and other family planning providers serve a diverse patient base and ensure that abortions are safe, legal, and rare.
