Q&A with a Planned Parenthood sex educator

By Sasha Fine

Past protesters and through the metal detector, I arrive at Planned Parenthood, where I train to teach sex-ed. Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m., when the Get Real Teen Council (GRTC) meets, have quickly become my favorite part of the week.

The 13 of us learn unbiased, medically accurate information about sexual and reproductive health. The first half of the GRTC year is dedicated to this training, and after January, we lead in-school sex-ed workshops around the state.

In just my first year, I’ve been able to remedy my knowledge gaps and break down stigma and misconceptions around sex and sexuality — after all, sex is not a bad word!

Talking about sex will help us move toward a more inclusive future. So, in pursuit of spreading information and bettering our futures, as your resident sex-educator, I’ll answer your questions about reproductive healthcare.

Q: Can you tell me about the abortion pill?

A: Yeah! If somebody is seeking an abortion, a medical (or pill) abortion is one option. A medical abortion means taking a regimen of Mifepristone and Misoprostol (or Misoprostol on its own) to end a pregnancy.

You can get the pills from your medical provider, an abortion clinic or telemedicine. In terms of efficacy, using both pills is ideal, but Mifepristone is generally more legally restricted than Misoprostol because Misoprostol is not strictly an abortion pill.

If the person looking to terminate the pregnancy has a need for secrecy, they should spit out any remains of the Misoprostol tablets to ensure no remains of the pills can be found in their system.

The difference between Plan B and a medical abortion is that Plan B prevents pregnancy, and medical abortions terminate pregnancy. Medical abortions are valid and safe, and according to FDA statistics, by 2021, over half of abortions in the US were medical abortions.

Q: What services does Planned Parenthood offer to minors?

A: Such a good question! I’ll answer in regards to in-person services available at the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts

(PPLM), but keep in mind that services are dependent on where you live.

PPLM offers routine pelvic, cervical and breast exams. Additionally, PPLM offers vaccines for HPV and Hepatitis B. You can get tested and treated for sexual transmitted infections (STIs), urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast or vaginal infections at PPLM clinics. Every center also offers many different options for birth control as well as emergency contraceptives. Other PPLM services are Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy for LGBTQ inclusive care, pregnancy testing, acne treatment and referrals for adoption. Abortion healthcare (medical and in-clinic) is a key PPLM service. You can find a full list of PPLM services on their website.