[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 13, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S6065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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          PLANNED PARENTHOOD: SHASTA-DIABLO'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I take this opportunity to share 
with my colleagues my thoughts on the 40th anniversary of Planned 
Parenthood: Shasta-Diablo, located in my home State of California.
  It is my great honor to recognize the extraordinary contributions of 
Planned Parenthood: Shasta-Diablo, PPSD, as it celebrates its 40th 
anniversary. The Planned Parenthood Federation of America was founded 
in 1916 by visionary social reformer Margaret Sanger. In 1962, PPSD 
began serving Contra Costa County and now provides essential 
reproductive health care and public education to more than 100,000 
women, men, and teenagers in 13 northern California counties. During 
these 40 years, PPSD has shown an unwavering commitment to providing 
the highest quality reproductive health services, regardless of income. 
For many low-income residents in these 13 counties, PPSD may be their 
only source of health care.
  PPSD's dedication and leadership place it at the cutting edge of 
Planned Parenthood affiliates. PPSD has the distinction of having the 
largest education department of any Planned Parenthood affiliate in the 
United States. PPSD has been at the forefront of the fight against the 
spread of HIV/AIDS because it was the first Planned Parenthood 
affiliate in the United States to provide HIV testing in 1987. In 1990, 
PPSD was also one of the first affiliates to begin providing prenatal 
services. PPSD recognized that it is critically important to the health 
of a woman and her baby that she receive health care as early as 
possible in the pregnancy.
  In addition to providing services at traditional health centers, PPSD 
has the largest number of express sites in the United States. At these 
express sites, PPSD partners with a wide range community groups to 
provide birth control, including emergency contraception. Through the 
express sites, PPSD is able to serve high schools and colleges, 
homeless shelters, social service offices, and rural health 
departments. Underserved populations are able to get lifesaving 
services that might not otherwise be available to them. And high-risk 
youth are well served by PPSD's express sites and teen peer educators 
who offer advice that youth can really relate to.
  Planned Parenthood: Shasta-Diablo would not have reached its 40th 
anniversary without the outstanding and exemplary leadership of two 
very special women. It is my pleasure to recognize Rosalie Ross, who 
served as executive director of PPSD for 10 years, and current 
president and CEO Heather Saunders Estes. Their dedication, foresight, 
and compassion are extraordinary and inspirational.
  PPSD is ``Celebrating Our Past, Protecting Our Future: 40 Years of 
Service, 30 Years of Choice'' because this year we also commemorate the 
30th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. The Roe decision saved countless lives 
by getting women out of the back alleys and into clean and safe 
facilities. The Roe decision has kept women from being forced to 
continue pregnancies that could endanger their health or render them 
infertile. The 30th anniversary of Roe commemorates not an isolated 
event, but a long and unending struggle for women's equality.
  PPSD is an important part of that struggle. For the past 20 years, I 
have been fighting in Congress for reproductive rights. PPSD has stood 
by me, working hand in hands to protect a woman's right to choose. 
Planned Parenthood: Shasta-Diablo has been there for women, men, and 
teens for 40 years and I wish them another 40 years of success.

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