United Way's Planned Parenthood decisions respectful of all

United Way strives to be respectful of all donors and residents' interests. Finding common ground on Planned Parenthood funding is in the best interest of the whole community.

Why has United Way moved Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio to affiliate status?

The decision to change United Way's Planned Parenthood funding relationship in 2010 addressed concerns from donors who did not wish their campaign gifts to be allocated to Planned Parenthood, while also being respectful of donors who still want their United Way pledge to support Planned Parenthood programming.

The process to move Planned Parenthood to Affiliate status was respectful of Planned Parenthood's 40-year funding relationship with United Way. A volunteer task force was assembled in 2010, meeting for months, to study the best resolution for all. Planned Parenthood and United Way made a joint announcement in September 2010 of the change in funding relationship.  Read the Oct. 1, 2010 article in The Repository ».

In 2007 Planned Parenthood of Stark County merged with Planned Parenthood of Northeast Ohio. Increased community and donor concerns since this merger prompted United Way to initiate the new funding relationship.

Did Planned Parenthood stop receiving United Way funding?

To be respectful of all donor concerns, no United Way campaign dollars pledged in 2010, or in the future, will be allocated to Planned Parenthood health services programming while, donors who wish, may continue to designate their United Way gift to Planned Parenthood. One hundred percent of every gift designated to Planned Parenthood will be forwarded to Planned Parenthood.

As a recipient of local United Way funding since 1970, and to allow Planned Parenthood time to find alternative funding sources, United Way board of directors approved a special board grant of $140,000 per year, for two years. This special board funding for Planned Parenthood continues through March 31, 2013.

Planned Parenthood's Canton Health Center funded services include pap tests, breast exams, pregnancy testing, all methods of contraception on a sliding fee scale, STD and HIV/AIDs testing, counseling and treatment services for men and women. No abortions are performed at the Canton Health Center.

Planned Parenthood designations continue to be accepted

Donors continue to have the option to designate their United Way donation to Planned Parenthood. One hundred percent of every gift designated to Planned Parenthood will be forwarded to Planned Parenthood.

Why doesn't United Way take a stand on the Planned Parenthood issue?

We've heard from residents and donors on both sides of this issue. United Way sought common ground to be respectful of all donors' and residents' wishes.

United Way raises dollars from donors across the community to fund 96 programs at 39 health and human service providers spanning the entire spectrum of need. United Way addresses more than just a single issue. United Way Funded Programs address a wide range of need from prescription assistance, to help with child care, to emergency food.

See the Oct. 1, 2010 Planned Parenthood and United Way Joint News Release »

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