Katrina Evacuees Qualify for Free Birth Control and Other Reproductive Health Care Services

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains donates $100,000 in services to persons displaced by Hurricane Katrina

DENVER — If you have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina, you qualify for FREE services at Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, including birth control (no exam necessary), emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, testing for breast and cervical cancer, sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment, HIV testing, and abortion services.

"The thoughts and prayers of the Planned Parenthood family are with those affected by this devastating hurricane," said Vicki Cowart, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, President and CEO. "We want to do our part to help Katrina evacuees be healthy - and that means helping people protect their reproductive health."

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains has committed $100,000 to its Katrina Fund. Once evacuees verify their displaced status, they will be able to access Planned Parenthood services entirely without cost. Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains will offer these services until the fund runs dry.

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains operates 31 health centers in five states (Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming and Missouri). People can locate the health center nearest them by calling 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) or visiting www.pprm.org.

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading sexual and reproductive health care provider and advocate. We believe that everyone has the right to choose when or whether to have a child, and that every child should be wanted and loved. Planned Parenthood affiliates operate nearly 800 health centers nationwide, providing medical services and sexuality education for millions of women, men, and teenagers each year. We also work with allies worldwide to ensure that all women and men have the right and the means to meet their sexual and reproductive health care needs.