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Letter: Planned Parenthood does the most to prevent unwanted pregnancies

(Steve Griffin | Tribune file photo) Karrie Galloway, CEO and president of Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, is joined by attorney Peggy Tomsic and others as they talk to the media outside the Planned Parenthood office in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, July 12, 2016.

At Planned Parenthood, we believe every person deserves the right to control their own body and the agency to decide if and when they become a parent.

When a patient comes to us with an unintended pregnancy, our health center staff offers them unbiased information and resources on prenatal services, adoption services and abortion. We let our patients take the time that they need to make decisions about their pregnancy in consultation with who they choose — loved ones, trusted medical providers and faith leaders.

At every step of the way, our staff offers compassionate, non-judgmental care. We understand that each person’s story is different and every pregnancy is unique. No matter the individual reasons, we are here to offer the best medical care possible in a safe and supportive setting.

We understand that for some women, the decision to end a pregnancy is difficult. However, the research tells us that the overwhelming majority of women who end their pregnancy report that it was the best decision for them.

The fact remains that abortion will always be a necessary health care procedure, and we are proud to offer this service to those who need it. It can also be said that no one does more to prevent unintended pregnancies in Utah than Planned Parenthood. We provide affordable birth control, other reproductive health services and sex education to nearly 58,000 Utahns every year.

It is our hope that every person has the resources, access to health care and information, and social support to make the best sexual and reproductive decisions for themselves. At Planned Parenthood, we are proud to do our part in making that a reality for all Utahns.

Karrie Galloway, of Salt Lake City, is the CEO and president of Planned Parenthood Association of Utah.

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