Planned Parenthood

The status of women's health has always been a hot topic for debate in the United States. This issue is very relevant to people’s lives, especially now, given the current political climate. Whether the issue discussed is abortion rights, access to birth control, or comprehensive sex education, there’s always been passionate discourse surrounding the discussion about women’s rights and health.

            One organization that has made it their priority to provide women and families access to healthcare and information is Planned Parenthood. They have been under attack from dissenters since they were founded in 1916, but have remained strong throughout the years. One way they have been able to become and maintain their status is through their use of rhetoric. They primarily use pathos and logos to spread their message and ideology.

            They use pathos in a variety of ways. Planned Parenthood has a strong social media presence, and encourages supporters to share how Planned Parenthood has positively affected them. For example, one of their online campaigns was #BirthControlHelpedMe. This campaign encouraged women to share their personal stories about what they were able to accomplish thanks to Planned Parenthood. A campaign like this appeals to people’s emotions. Seeing these women’s firsthand stories about what these women are able to do thanks to birth control really makes people sympathetic to Planned Parenthood’s mission. Once a person sees all the good this organization can do from first hand accounts, they’re more likely to be open to listening to the organization’s message, and possibly even offer support.

            Planned Parenthood also uses logos as a strategy for gaining support. They have an easy to use website that houses a variety of information. On the site, they explain that their goal is to provide women and men with a safe place to receive affordable health care and sex education. They use facts to persuade people to support them. After looking at the statistics about all the work Planned Parenthood does, such as providing hundreds of thousands of cancer screenings and STD tests per year, it would be hard to justify not supporting their cause.

            Overall, Planned Parenthood is just one of many voices that are speaking out for women’s health. This topic can be controversial, but it’s one that needs to be discussed. Many women and families around the country depend on the services that Planned Parenthood provides, and without their successful use of rhetoric, the organization may not have been around today.

Sources:

https://100years.plannedparenthood.org/

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/newsroom/birth-control-plan-and-protect-your-future

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/who-we-are/planned-parenthood-at-a-glance