Thank you, Planned Parenthood

I never thought I would be thankful for the anti-abortion protesters who like to frequent our campus.

But thanks to the pamphlets one batch of protesters were armed with, I finally remembered to schedule a pelvic exam with Planned Parenthood.

The protesters passed out literature while making claims that jive with the abortion-factory libel theory often promoted by pro-life politicians. My appointment was a small counter-protest that happened to coincide with taking charge of my sexual health.

When I went, the weather outside was dreary, but the clinic was decidedly not.

Next to the receptionist window there was a basket full of condoms for sale at 30 cents apiece. Nearby was a rack full of pamphlets on relationships, sexuality and contraception.

I’m the product of an Indiana public school and being in the presence of real sex education materials is still a little breathtaking.

The employees were friendly and patient, which is good because I am terrible at filling out medical forms.

The pelvic exam itself — which was my first — was easy and painless for me.

For any ladies suffering angst about their first exam, don’t worry. Any discomfort is over quickly, and it’s an important part of taking care of yourself as a woman.

Most women should get an exam after they turn 21.

The nurse practitioner showed me how to give myself a proper breast exam.

She answered my questions about intrauterine devices and sent me home with a fistful of pamphlets.

But there were details that made it clear this wasn’t a visit to just any health care provider.

Finding the entrance feels a little like discovering a speakeasy. A security camera is poised above the entrance.

The precautions reminded me that just this past spring, Bloomington’s location had been attacked by an ax-wielding ideologue.

After taking my phone number, the clinic worker asked if it was okay for Planned Parenthood to identify itself as such if they ever had to call me. A necessary safeguard in case I lived with strict parents or an abusive partner.

All of Planned Parenthood’s services are stigmatized because it is also an abortion provider.

Women shouldn’t have to fear going to a health care provider they can afford. Those who work at the clinic shouldn’t have to fear the next protester who goes too far.

Planned Parenthood is an important community organization, especially in a college town where many students are having their first sexual experiences, taking their first stab at birth control and contracting their first STIs.

More anti-abortion protesters were on campus Monday. I hope others were reminded to schedule their next appointment with Planned Parenthood, too.

­— casefarr@indiana.edu
Follow columnist Casey Farrington on Twitter @casefarr.