Fact check: What are the primary non-abortion services offered by Planned Parenthood?

1. Summary of the results

The primary non-abortion services offered by Planned Parenthood include contraception, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, cancer screenings, and other preventive services ^[1]. These services are part of the organization's comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care, which also encompasses vaccination against influenza, hepatitis, and human papillomavirus; smoking cessation counseling; anemia testing; and screening for cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, and breast cancer ^[2]. Additionally, Planned Parenthood provides affordable access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services, including accurate sexual education from highly skilled and trained clinicians and counselors ^[2]. The organization plays a critical role in the nation's family planning safety net, providing high-quality, timely contraceptive care to millions of women ^[3]. It is worth noting that abortion services make up only 4% of the health services provided by Planned Parenthood ^[1].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some analyses highlight the importance of considering the full range of sexual and reproductive care provided by Planned Parenthood, including life-saving preventive care ^[4]. Others emphasize the organization's role in providing a safety net for affordable and timely access to life-saving care ^[5]. However, specific details about the primary non-abortion services offered by Planned Parenthood are not always explicitly stated ^{[4] [6]}. Furthermore, the scope and volume of services provided by Planned Parenthood can vary by location, with some sources noting that the organization operates over 600 health centers nationwide ^[6]. Alternative viewpoints may focus on the diversity of services provided by Planned Parenthood, including birth control, abortion, global health, and sex education ^[7], as well as the organization's research efforts in sexual and reproductive health ^[6].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be too narrow in its focus, as it only asks about the primary non-abortion services offered by Planned Parenthood, without considering the broader context of the organization's mission and services ^{[4] [2]}. This framing may benefit those who seek to downplay the importance of Planned Parenthood's abortion services, while overemphasizing the organization's non-abortion services ^[1]. On the other hand, Planned Parenthood and its supporters may benefit from highlighting the organization's comprehensive range of services, including both abortion and non-abortion care, in order to emphasize its critical role in the healthcare system ^{[5] [2]}. Ultimately, a more nuanced understanding of Planned Parenthood's services and mission is necessary to avoid misinformation and bias ^{[4] [2] [6]}.