Letter: Planned Parenthood fights Zika?

Planned Parenthood fights Zika

The Zika virus outbreak demonstrates why the state must ensure that more Floridians have health insurance. Without Medicaid expansion, too many people will be left vulnerable and the public health crisis will grow unchecked.

The government has failed to ensure the health and safety of our communities in responding to the Zika outbreak. Florida has the highest number of residents infected of any state in the country, making Florida the battleground for this virus. Because there is no medication or vaccine for the Zika virus, the best strategy to combat Zika is prevention. But the State’s prevention focus must expand beyond mosquito control.

The contraceptive health care provided by Planned Parenthood is crucial in controlling the outbreak of Zika. Gov. Scott worked with the Legislature to attempt to defund Planned Parenthood. Undeterred, it continues its mission of providing free and low cost testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and access to birth control. Planned Parenthood has already played an instrumental role in combating Zika In South Florida. The State would do well to see it as a primary partner in prevention and treatment.

— Mary Collins, Pensacola