Hello all! My name is Alyssa
Ortega; I am a recent graduate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in
Anthropology with a minor in Latin American Studies. I am an intern at the
Planned Parenthood Harrisburg location within the Health Center Advocacy Program.
Prior to this internship, I didn’t really know what to expect. Health Center
Advocacy? What does that even mean? Doesn’t everyone want everyone to be
healthy? I have quickly understood that this is not the immediate case. I have
found there are “loop-holes” in an individual's thinking. It’s interesting to
me that there are a lot of “but …” statements after someone states their
opinion. “Well I think that abortion is someone’s choice, but …” “Birth control
is an effective way to prevent pregnancy, but …”. And I can say, I was one of
those people, I always thought there were exceptions to every situation. And I
have heard all sides of the argument, but what it boils down to, what’s the
most important thing?
The most important thing is that we have access
to safe, affordable, and attainable health facilities. That is what this
internship is all about - we do Healthy Neighborhood Canvasses every weekend
and have been tabling at different health fairs around the area, in an attempt
to promote the services of Planned Parenthood and let the community know that
we are out here for them. This internship has tested my opinions, beliefs and
personal demeanor in a positive way, and I have found out that there is much
more to Planned Parenthood than meets the eye.
I have sharpened my skills and
education to know what is going on in our political system, but I have also
been introduced to the tools that are
necessary to defend my rights as a female needing these services, Also, I am
now more comfortable helping others with their rights as healthy teens, men,
and women, aside from knowing about the different ways that Planned Parenthood
has positively affected the lives around the communities in which their offices
are located.
Going into the health center,
seeing all of the different people, of all ages, sex, gender and sex
orientation, as well as race, it has definitely expanded my need to want to
fight for a safer and healthier environment where anyone and everyone can handle
their health as they please. That is the whole point of this internship. I was
able to see how our health facilities are greatly impacting everyone who steps
through those doors and it is inspiring. We are here to promote this
organization that offers different services that can preserve the reproductive
rights and choices of women and men around Pennsylvania and around the country.
What this internship has taught me so far is to be a more independent woman,
and to be more aware of the political climate that is around me. Although, I
feel like reproductive rights are a social issue and should stay out of the
political debates, it will be a part of the political arguments for a while,
and I should be prepared with the facts and figures. Because of my choice to
become a part of this organization and dedicate time to this important fight,
it is my duty to be an advocate, a friend, and more importantly a voice to the
individuals who feel like they are not being heard. I am more than proud to say
that I Stand With Planned Parenthood.
