I voted in the 1992 Presidential election via Fedex from a hospital bed. At that time I was receiving cancer treatment at City of Hope in Duarte, Ca. I made a complete recovery and have been cancer free for 20 years.

If it weren't for the skilled and compassionate people at Planned Parenthood, I may not have been diagnosed in time for treatment.

A war has been raged for almost 40 years over a woman's right to choose, but the reality of this fight goes far beyond the right to choose an abortion. Organizations like Planned Parenthood provide a wide range of comprehensive care, often the only care available to low income, student or uninsured patients. They also provide understanding and non-judgemental guidance in an atmosphere more focused on the patient's needs than any other medical service arena because the issues of a woman's health are primary. They scan for cancers, STDs and a host of infections and conditions. They offer counselling that covers all aspects that affect a patient's choice in their own care, whether it is to bring a life into this world or to forever give up that gift in order to save their own life. These practitioners provide more than a service, they provide knowledge and respect, with an amazing amount of humanity, usually at times when women feel most alone and afraid.

To hamper the efforts of these providers with restrictions that won't apply to a surgeon offering Botox is criminal and offers a stunning portrait of the true value of women in this society. Dispassionately, the cost in lives and dollars that will result from a lack of access to timely and effective care is well documented. My cancer was caught very early, treated quickly and effectively at a minimum cost. But without Planned Parenthood's services it absolutely would not have been detected in time.

Hindering this invaluable resource for women is inhumane and unworthy of a country built on a Democratic model.