It certainly looks like Planned Parenthood is trying their hardest to distance themselves from being seen as a selfish money-making bloody abortion mill to one that has a woman's interests at heart – mainly through breast examinations -- and are relying on such media outlets to relay this "message" in a way that can only be described as free advertising. How can an article count as free advertising? Let me count the ways.
Last week, the Huffington Post posted an "article" titled, "Early Detection Key to Fighting Breast Cancer and Planned Parenthood Can Help." First clue this is a pro-Planned Parenthood advertisement disguised as an article? The title. All the title needed to say was "Early Detection Key to Fighting Breast Cancer," and be done with it - but no - they had to insert "Planned Parenthood" in the title - thereby advocating the organization. Planned Parenthood plug #1.
The article tells the story of a Latina woman named Peggie Jimenez who is a survivor of breast cancer - and how at the age of 34 she detected a lump in her breast because, "thanks to the education Planned Parenthood had given me, I knew what my breasts normally felt like - and I knew this was not normal.I was lucky to catch the cancer early." Planned Parenthood plug #2.
The Huffington Post author writes, "By learning this skill at Planned Parenthood as a teen, Peggie was able to spot that something was not right and seek treatment at the early stage of her breast cancer." Planned Parenthood plug #3.
In Peggie's own words, "many parts of my life may not have happened had it not been for what I learned at Planned Parenthood." Planned Parenthood plug #4.
Citing that breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Latinas, the Huffington Post author writes, "Planned Parenthood understands the risk the Latino community faces and is committed to providing access to comprehensive health care to all people who walk through our doors, regardless of age, income or immigration status." Planned Parenthood plug #5 - as well as a plug for illegal immigration.
The Huffington Post author claimed that "more than 575,000 Latinos visited about 700 Planned Parenthood health care centers across the country." Planned Parenthood plug #6. But who needs Planned Parenthood when there are over 13,500 healthcare clinics in the U.S. that provide comprehensive women healthcare - including mammograms - which Planned Parenthood does not provide.
The advertisement, I mean article, ends with the Huffington Post mentioning that "Planned Parenthood of New York City and other Planned Parenthood health centers across the country provide a total of 750,000 breast cancer screenings each year," (Planned Parenthood plug #7) and that "Planned Parenthood is dedicated to providing all people with the knowledge, health care and services that they need to protect themselves and live healthy lives." Planned Parenthood plug #8.
Then it’s no surprise the Huffington Post author is...Haydee Morales, “VP of Education and Training” at Planned Parenthood of New York City.
