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Planned Parenthood

Is This Your Business?
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LAST UPDATED: February 10th, 2024

Planned Parenthood Federation of America was founded in 1916 in New York City by Margaret Sanger. Sanger was a pioneer in women's health who worked to put birth control into the mainstream, allowing women to have access to information about their reproductive health. Sanger was also a controversial figure, given some of her views on race and voluntarily terminating pregnancies, particularly for minorities. The organization was officially named Planned Parenthood in 1942. Planned Parenthood Federation of America operates two headquarters, one in Washington D.C. and the other in New York City.

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The Good

  • 74.1 percent revenue used on program delivery
  • Financial information is accessible
  • Many forms of communication

Fundraising Expenses

Planned Parenthood reported that 16 percent of its expenses for the fiscal year of 2014-2015 was used for fundraising activities.

Program Percentage

Most charity watchdog organizations evaluate the percentage of a charitable organization's revenue above 70 percent as being effective program delivery and responsible fiscal management. Planned Parenthood Federation of America reported 74.1 percent of its revenue being used for its programs in the 2014 fiscal year, this is the last available financial information from the organization. While Planned Parenthood has reported an acceptable ratio of program delivery to income, it should be noted that most of the top-performing charitable organizations report program delivery percentages which are significantly higher, showing a more effective use of donated funds.

Accessible Financial Information

The Planned Parenthood Federation of America has published its last three annual reports and the organization's most recent IRS Form 990 (fiscal year end June 2015) return on its site, along with the most recent copy of its consolidated financial statement. Most nonprofit organizations are more transparent with their finances, with several years' of annual reports, Forms 990, and financial records on their websites. Planned Parenthood meets the basic requirements of being financially transparent, but is considerably less transparent than other organizations.

Donor Communication

Planned Parenthood maintains a robust blog, information database, and active social media accounts from which the organization helps interested parties and donors stay informed about the latest news and developments. One can also sign up for updates via email. Donors can expect to receive more solicitations for donations sent to whatever contact information which they have provided to Planned Parenthood.
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The Bad

  • High administrative expenses
  • Negative press
  • Controversial award

Total Income

As Planned Parenthood does not publish past years' financial information, all financial information was taken from Charity Navigator, a respected independent charity watchdog organization. 2014: $176,617,285 2013: $134,538,860 2012: $156,125,184 2011: $180,418,835 2010: $81,941,013

Administrative Expenses

Planned Parenthood spent 9.6 percent of its revenue on administrative expenses for the 2014-2015 fiscal year, or $15,822,138. The organization's top executive, Cecile Richards, received an annual salary of $451,752 for the same time period, which is 0.30 percent of the organization's reported expenses. This percentage is slightly higher than that reported by the top-rated organizations.

Negative Press

The recent scandal involving the organization's alleged profits from selling fetal body parts and organs which were harvested from abortions has further polarized Americans on their personal stands about Planned Parenthood. There are several articles published about this issue, most of which are not unbiased and attempt to further arguments on either side of the issue. Those who are critical of Planned Parenthood accuse the mainstream media of whitewashing the scandal, while those who are in favor of Planned Parenthood criticized the coverage of the story as being false and inflammatory. After the video exposé of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America's officials negotiating prices for fetal body parts with an undercover individual, the organization received significant negative press. Planned Parenthood solicited George Soros and his organization, asking for $1.5 million to offset the negative press reports. The Washington Times reported that the investigation into fetal parts being provided to Washington University from Planned Parenthood was not thorough, and conducted in an unprofessional manner. The editorial board of the The New York Times went on to conclude that the videos had been doctored or edited in an attempt to misrepresent the organization's operations. Washington Deputy Attorney General, Paige Dietrich, requested documents from the University about its arrangement with Planned Parenthood to supply fetal tissue for Washington University's Birth Defect Research Lab, with assurances that the documents would remain confidential. After assurances that this would be the case, Ms. Dietrich surprisingly informed the University that the documents would no longer be needed. Shortly after the Deputy Attorney General's emailed statement releasing the University from providing documents, Planned Parenthood was exonerated in by the state of Washington for its practices. Critics state that the investigation was improperly managed with the result being determined by politics before the investigation was even commenced.

Awards

Planned Parenthood gives many internal awards to its affiliate clinics as well as awards journalists and media outlets for their work. Each organization, whether it is a for-profit or not, has the right to give awards to individuals and organizations which further their cause, etc. One of the most inflammatory internal awards is to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Aurora, Colorado, which was recognized by the national headquarters for the number of "abortion visits" (presumably resulting in abortions) by the clinic in 2013, compared to the those reported in 2012. Planned Parenthood stated that it does not have quotas for abortion visits but did not deny that the award was given. Planned Parenthood issued a clarifying statement about abortion quotas and award, which some felt was sanctimonious, and boasted about its mission. With the current political environment of the United States, many critics of Planned Parenthood have been enraged at the organization for its choice of which individuals and organizations which have been recognized with awards. It is notable that the Planned Parenthood Federation of America has not been recognized by external groups for its program delivery, which could be an indication that organizations do not wish to become entangled in the extremely controversial debate which surrounds Planned Parenthood and its support.
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The Bottom Line

Planned Parenthood Federation of America is a polarizing organization, yielding strong opinions about its mission to bring a full-spectrum approach of reproductive health to those in need, regardless of their ability to pay. If you already have strong reviews toward Planned Parenthood, it is unlikely this review will sway those opinions; in either case, we have attempted to evaluate the company on objective factors rather than political persuasions. Planned Parenthood Federation of America dedicates a generous percentage of its revenue toward its charitable program; on the other hand, while most charitable organizations publish several years' financial information, Planned Parenthood does not. This lack of financial transparency results in reservations in recommending Planned Parenthood as an organization worth supporting.
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Star Rating

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3.5

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24 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

50%

4 grade

8%

3 grade

8%

2 grade

4%

1 grade

29%

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Amani Patel Harrisonburg, VA

A pretty good organization with good intentions and goals. I think some of the goals could be a little clearer, but I also understand that this organization has to tackle some major challenges! I think the mission of this organization is carried out well, and I will continue to support it in the future.

1 month ago

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Shannon Cummings

Lots of people disagree with planned parenthood due to the nature if their services. I think those people are truly ignorant. This organization helps women through many different choices that accompany pregnant women. The prov8de items to women that participate in their educational program. I commend and recommend.

8 months ago

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Christian Nakamura Boerne, TX

My wife got unexpectedly pregnant. She just started a new job and was between insurance providers so we decided to go to PP for the first ultrasound until the insurance kicked in. When we arrived, they told us that I, the father of the child and husband to my wife, couldn't be in the room during the ultrasound. I wasn't allowed to see my tiny child on the screen. This soured the moment for me a bit, as it would for any father who cares. Planned Parenthood are very wrong for keeping fathers out of ultrasounds. The prices for a blood test and ultrasound were more than previously quoted as well. There were no consultations or recommendations, just the ultrasound and blood test, and she was rushed out into the empty waiting room.

7 months ago

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Loubna Chafi Fishers, IN

Do not mess with Planned Parenthood located in Georgetown, IN. They do take your appointment after disclosing your LMP date. They tell you how many weeks you are into pregnancy (4 weeks and 3 days in my case). They scheduled my appointment for two weeks, in my case, from the date the appointment was scheduled. They later cancel it and reschedule it. On the appointment date, they canceled the appointment, saying that they needed to reschedule it because my pregnancy was just 4 weeks 3 days, even after 2 weeks had elapsed from the date I initially scheduled the appointment. They stated my ultrasound would not show anything, and they referred me to reschedule an appointment with a location in Illinois. The staff was rude and did not want to speak with my husband, although I gave her consent to speak with my husband since I am not fluent in English.

8 months ago

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Michelle Rios Ogden, UT

When I had no money and no insurance Planned Parenthood was there to educate me and provide me with medical care. They provided me with a way to afford birth control until I was able to get a job that had insurance. They provided care that allowed me to have dignity and to know that I was making good choices for myself.

4 years ago

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Eddie Rios Ogden, UT

Planned Parenthood is such a great organization, helping us stay safe and offering tons of family planning and guidance. They are experts at counseling, and showing you what options are available. They are honest, confidential and trustworthy with your personal information. They are a great asset to us!

4 years ago

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Eric San Diego, CA

Planned Parenthood is absolutely integral to women's health in the U.S. I donate monthly and have used there services multiple times as a young adult. I am now too old to get free care from them but I will continue to donate as PP is one of the more important organizations in this country.

5 years ago

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Joseph Tempe, AZ

Planned Parenthood is a important charity, I love supporting them because they provide essential services to women in need. I fully support their cause and love the charity

9 months ago

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Summer Porter Managua, MN

I cannot recommend Planned Parenthood enough. Between access to contraceptions, variety in next steps once sexually active and further education to help create healthier and conscious based sex lives, it is a great blessing to many especially teenagers and young adults.

4 years ago

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Megan A McEvoy Tallahassee, FL

Planned Parenthood has been a great source of information and healthcare for those who are in difficult situations or cannot afford medical treatment. This organization has been especially helpful to a friend of mine, and without it her life would be very different. The workers are very nice and educated, and they really put their patients first.

4 years ago

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Bugs Bunny St Louis, MO

Sick for months with no money or insurance. So i turned to Planned Parenthood for help. My visit was going so well but that would soon change... receptionist asked me some questions (where I lived, who I lived with,employment and income info and informed me that based on my info I qualified for financial assistance and that my visit would not cost me anything! I was so relieved to hear that because I couldn't afford to pay .I filled out my paperwork and was quickly taken back to see the nurse. The medical assistant took my vital signs and asked about my medical history and symptoms. I was so happy I was finally going to find out what was making me sick! She told me the nurse would be in shortly and left the room. A few minutes later a man entered the room. Said he was the manager and after reviewing my file he was sorry to inform me that having a hysterectomy disqualifies me from getting ANY financial assistance and my visit was going to cost $400!!!! I was shocked and devastated!!! Is this really happening right now?? It sounded so outrageous and unbelievable I mean how and why does having a hysterectomy disqualify me and WHY!!! It feels like a nightmare!!! If I had $400 I would have medical insurance and would've seen a private doctor months ago but I don't so I rode my bike to the bus stop,bus didn't show up so I rode all the way there filled out paperwork,interviewed twice,3 hours in total for nothing!!!! This is so wrong!!!! What am I to do now!!!

1 year ago

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Kandice Mason Fayetteville, NC

An issue I have had with Planned Parenthood is patient privacy during the clinic visit. Both times I have had a clinic visit third party observers were in the room without my consent. This is an invasion of privacy and the doctors/ assistant should ask the patient whether a third party is wanted during the visit.

4 years ago

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Larson Riverton, UT

As a company that celebrates terminating the lives of unborn babies, and even selling the body parts illegally, I hope to see Planned Parenthood disappear completely. Their number one focus is on income from abortions, not helping or teaching women. The documentary "Unplanned" is worth watching for anyone who is considering visiting Planned Parenthood for any reason. A doctor's office is a much better option for women's services.

4 years ago

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Angelina Hamilton New Orleans, LA

I volunteer with this organization in MS, this organization makes for a space of comfort for many people and helps protect reproductive rights for all.

4 years ago

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Kenzie Minneapolis, MN

I will NEVER be visiting planned parenthood again. I was one of the first people in the clinic when it opened and the last person to leave. I was there for 6.5 hours. This is the biggest joke. Worst customer service, awfully slow and careless nurses, 100% would NOT recommend.

4 years ago

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Danielle Powell Long Beach, MS

Great organization to help women that may not be able to afford it otherwise. Gives education to help women stay in control of their life.

4 years ago

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Destini Ferguson

Without insurance Planned Parenthood is extremely expensive and lowers your options to almost none. Overall they provide a lot of information that is helpful. Also the space does feel non-judgmental making the visit easier.

4 years ago

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Amanda Warrendale, PA

Planned Parenthood offers important resources for women who need help. Although controversial, I think they are doing good things for the community.

4 years ago

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SkylarPickens Houston, TX

planned parenthood is a great charity to donate too! the things they do for young teens are amazing!

4 years ago

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Anita Long Beach, MS

Planned parenthood provides care and education. I highly recommend this place for your birth control needs.

4 years ago

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Brenda Mertes Houston, TX

I completely wish that Planned Parenthood would close down. There are too many other organizations and people who can assist with pregnancies and this particular business has had far too much controversy surrounding it. Everything I hear and see from Planned Parenthood is just disgusting.

4 years ago

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Diego Flores New York, NY

This is a company that does not discriminate, and will support you and your choices.

4 years ago

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Abigail Land Tallahassee, FL

Markets themself as a charity, but will turn away sick patients without treatment if they cannot afford their prices.

2 years ago

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Alita Turgeon Indianapolis, IN

Worst place ever wanted for over a hour in waiting room

1 year ago