Free Pregnancy Tests: Planned Parenthood and Family Planning

Experiencing a pregnancy or obtaining birth control can be a scary thing for young girls and women of all ages. Without financial stability, it is extremely difficult to get the assistance you need; but thanks to Planned Parenthood and Family Planning clinics, there is help available.

Planned Parenthood and Family Planning clinics offer a variety of services to girls who do not have the ability to pay the high insurance costs of a doctor visit, or who want their pregnancy issues to remain confidential. You can get a free pregnancy test without purchasing an expensive kit from a drugstore or paying to see your family doctor. Never mind the fact that going to your family physician for a test will give anyone who has access to your insurance information a view of your services. It is easy to find a clinic in your area; many of the buildings are non-marked for further secrecy.

Several years ago, I took my sister to a Family Planning clinic near our city. There were so many positive aspects to visiting the clinic, the most important being the low (if any) costs of the products/services and the caring staff. My sister was worried about feeling embarrassed, but the friendly environment put her at ease. It's important to remember that women all over the country experience the same thing every day! Family Planning and Planned Parenthood clinics offer pregnancy tests, birth control, emergency contraception (commonly called the morning after pill) and counseling services. Everything I have listed here is completely free; staff members may ask for a donation, but it is only voluntary.

I know many girls who used the services of these free clinics at a young age, and have returned years later to offer a donation and thanks for the care they were offered when it was needed. However, some Planned Parenthood clinics do charge for different situations, this is why it is best to make an appointment in advance (if possible) and make sure the nurse or staff member is aware of your financial situation. You will not be charged for something you cannot afford, the purpose of Family Planning and Planned Parenthood clinics is to HELP, not further complicate things. Any search engine will help you find a clinic in your area, it is a good idea to call the listed number to ensure that the hours of the specific clinic you need work with your schedule.

Women in this country are extremely lucky to have free pregnancy tests and pregnancy-prevention services available; it is never impossible to find the help you need! Now that you know it is possible to take care of yourself properly (free of cost), take advantage of these free services! That is what they are there for. :)

I have listed a few resources below if you are interested in donating to Planned Parenthood or Family Planning foundations near you, or if you want to volunteer your services to help women just like you!

Sources:

https://secure.ga0.org/02/pp10000

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/jobs-and-volunteer.asp

http://www.nfprha.org/main/index.cfm?Category=Main&Section=Main