1. Planned Parenthood and the Power of Social Media by Paige

    Lately there’s been a lot of movement within the social media world. We’ve been hearing all about super bowl ads, the protest of SOPA, and presidential candidates. Social media has proven to be a powerful source because it enables everyone to be heard. But one should know its power can work for you or against you.

    After reading about the commotion regarding funds for Planned Parenthood from Komen, it was obvious to everyone how social media worked against Komen and for Planned Parenthood. After hiring a pro-life executive, Komen decided to withdraw funds that would provide breast examinations and referrals for mammography and ultrasound patients at health centers. Planned Parenthood strives to treat as many people as they can and cutting these funds would cause PP to turn thousands away.

    Though Komen said this decision was the result of a new policy stating that they would no longer fund an organization under the government, it seems obvious that this decision was the result of a new Vice President for Public Policy and her strong anti-choice views.

    The result of this was an angry group of PP supporters who fought back online. Planned Parenthood gained 10,000 new donors and raised $3 million in the matter of days (. “‘All of these things were self-generated,’ said Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards. ‘I’ve never seen anything catch fire like (this)… . I do think it’s a watershed moment’” (via NYDailyNews).

    Social media is extremely powerful. If you didn’t realize it before, you should by now. Decisions, whether they be large or small, should be thought through. There are consequences and they are out there on the Internet for everyone to see. When Komen announced they would no longer be working with Planned Parenthood, they seemed to be doubting the commitment of their own mission to save women’s lives. Now they have a reputation to save.

    Planned Parenthood on the other hand, has never had more supporters.

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