STUDY GROUP ON REPRODUCTIVE CHOICE DECEMBER 12

Our study group guest speakers were Janice Schindler, Director of Public Affairs, Planned  Parenthood of Central and Greater Northern New Jersey and Ed Remsen, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of New Jersey.

Janice talked about her affiliate, Planned Parenthood of Central and Greater Northern NJ (“PPCGNNJ”).  PPCGNNJ is the largest Planned Parenthood affiliate in the state, operating 14 health centers in 10 counties located in most of Northern and Central New Jersey.  From  January 2013 – September 2013 there were over 42,000  total patient visits at their 10 health centers.  PPCGNNJ has 2 health centers in Bergen County-in Hackensack and in Englewood.  PPCGNNJ provides medical services to both females and males.  The medical services offered include:  birth control, HIV testing, pregnancy testing and services, STI testing and treatment, LGBT services, abortion services, gynecological services and cancer screenings.  PPCGNNJ offers sexual education programs in both community-based settings and at high schools throughout Bergen County as well as the rest of our service area.

Ed discussed the difference between the role of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, a 501(c)4 organization and the local affiliates which are 501(c)3 entities, like NCJW.  His role, as the head of the state office, is to manage the political and legislative work for Planned Parenthood which includes endorsements, Lobbying Day, advancing legislative initiatives around reproductive rights, birth control and women’s health.  Planned Parenthood continues to fight for restoration of the $7.4M in family planning grants cut by Governor Christie’s line item reductions and multiple vetoes which resulted in 33,000 fewer patients being seen by Planned Parenthood and other family planning providers and six health centers being closed..

In the past election cycle, the Action Fund endorsed 80 candidates, provided PAC support for 25 candidates and ran a field program in four legislative districts. The political role will expand and will include a more proactive effort to seek support from moderate Republicans by having them hear a lot more from constituents who support Planned Parenthood.  New Jersey has not yet seen the kind of draconian actions taken in other states which tremendously limit women’s access to legal rights under Roe v. Wade.  He stressed that this scenario could occur, and we must be prepared.