MAKE CHANGE: International Planned Parenthood Federation

Planned Parenthood has been in the news a lot recently as a result of the budget crisis in Washington. While Democrats and Republicans squabble over how many resources Planned Parenthood clinics devote to abortions, a point not mentioned nearly enough is how much Planned Parenthood does to alleviate suffering internationally. The International Planned Parenthood Federation, to which Planned Parenthood is a subsidiary organization, supports women's health initiatives throughout the world.

A recent report by the US Center for Citizen Diplomacy highlights the work of the International Planned Parenthood Federation as an organization that works tirelessly to address the needs of women in the international community, particularly through the SPRINT initiative. The SPRINT initiative is a rights-based initiative that aims to uphold the right to life and security of persons as well as the right to the highest attainable standard of heath- including sexual and reproductive health -- for all people affected by conflict and natural disaster.

The SPRINT initiative identified a serious gap in response to women's health and reproductive issues during humanitarian crisis. Most often the humanitarian aid delivered to people in conflict zones or to areas affected by natural disasters is intended to address issues of food and shelter. While such assistance is needed to address basic human needs, oft neglected are equally basic needs such as maternal care. Childbirth is one of the most basic functions of life, yet maternal care is consistently one of the last services provided to women in crisis zones.

As the report makes clear, such organizations are absolutely fundamental to strengthening the well-being of women throughout the world and in making strides towards achieving the goals established at the 1995 Beijing Conference. Though much progress has been made in the last fifteen years, due in part to the wonderful work of organizations such as the International Planned Parenthood Federation, as the current fights in our own US Congress make clear, too many people are still undereducated on women's rights and health issues. In the spirit of Margaret Mead, who famously said, "Never doubt that a group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world…," the report identifies five ways the average citizen can get get involved to work to improve the lives of women everywhere:

• Utilize social media



• Create straightforward, informative, and creative awareness campaigns



• Facilitate direct contact with women in need



• Make fundraising efforts flexible and relateable to the average citizen



• Raise funds and spread awareness through the sale of tangible goods

For more ideas on what you can do to get involved, visit the US Center for Citizen Diplomacy.

Dear Planned Parenthood: Sexuality & Reproduction in Art

Lately, the arts and reproductive rights have been on my mind, which is not surprising by any means since both these topics are on the tips of many tongues. Whether it's Obama's plan to reduce arts funding or Planned Parenthood's recent setback, we've got a lot of advocating to do about their importance.

For example, view the video of Congresswoman Jackie Speier's reaction to a New Jersey representative's attempt to shame women who've had abortions. Sharing her abortion story truly took a great amount of bravery, and even more sensibility than what we've been observing lately regarding reproductive rights. As noted in the Mother Jones article, there is no question about what lies at the heart of the matter:

Critics of the funding contend that because money is fungible, these dollars are, in effect, paying for abortion services.

Moralizing rhetoric is rampant these days. In addition, opinions about sexuality have become confused with guidelines for reproductive rights.

It's a similar story in Art History, where the language is pared down to a few canonical "documents" of culture. Take a moment to search your memory for art works and performances that display (and furthermore, celebrate) female sexuality.

I thought of a few: whether it's the subversive animation that brought us Bettie Boop, Tracey Emin's sensitive installation about intimacy, Everyone I Have Ever Slept With (1963-1995), Renee Cox's Yo Mama series, or Frida Kahlo's painting Henry Ford Hospital, the subject matter allows viewers to contemplate childbirth, loss, and the very public nature of womens' bodies.

Frida Kahlo. Henry Ford Gallery. 1932. Oil on metal. Image via Olga's Gallery.

Each of these women attached personal symbolism to their experiences, and this is no different from what we do in our daily lives. What I find most interesting about Henry Ford Hospital and Everyone I Have Ever Slept With (1963-1995), is that they do what Speier did -- they contribute to defending a platform for a larger community of women in similar positions.

When I am shocked by the ultimate ignorance of "leaders," it's always comforting to look at these art works and remember that you can't stifle imagination at its best.