Letters to the Editor

McCormick must protect Planned Parenthood funding

When I was in my early 30s, I found myself without health insurance and in need of reliable birth control. I wasn’t looking to make a political statement, I just needed care. Planned Parenthood was the only place that welcomed me without judgment, without insurance and without charging more than I could afford. I received a birth control prescription, a health screening and compassionate, professional care. That support helped me stay healthy, plan for my future and avoid an unplanned pregnancy that could have derailed my future.

Now, I watch in terror as lawmakers threaten to defund Planned Parenthood and cut Medicaid, two of the few lifelines for people like me. For millions of patients, Planned Parenthood isn’t a “choice.” It’s the only option in many communities if you are underinsured, uninsured, living at or near poverty.

Defunding it strips away access to basic, preventive health care: birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and more. We can’t afford to let ideology get in the way of public health.

I am one of many whose lives were positively shaped by Planned Parenthood. We need to protect and fund this essential care, not take it away. Sen. McCormick, we’re counting on you to do the right thing.

Donna Robinson

Park concert should be fun

How exciting to read the front-page report in the South Philly Review about the planned concert to be held in FDR Park on July 25 and July 27 (“FDR Park concert for a better world,” June 18). All thanks to the philanthropic Make The World Better organization in partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. They will also be helped by concert promoter, The Bowery Presents. The purpose of this concert is to help support outdoor recreation space.

The FDR Park, named in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is a 348-acre, open-air park at 1500 Pattison Ave. and South Broad Street. There is no fee to use the large playground and picnic areas. There are also sports fields for baseball, soccer and tennis.

When I was a youngster we called FDR Park “The Lakes.” Today there is a working ice skating rink. Parking is free.

So it was very encouraging to read that there will be a wonderful lineup of talented groups performing on that weekend.

As the article states, tickets are available at https://www.mtwbconcert.com. It sounds like great fun.

Gloria C. Endres