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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Kellen Doer, Volunteer at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York
4:55:17
ยท
120 sec
Kellen Doer, a volunteer at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (PPGNY), testifies to urge the New York City Council to support critical investments in PPGNY. She shares her personal experience with Planned Parenthood and emphasizes the organization's impact on New Yorkers' lives.
- Doer requests $11,250,000 from the reproductive and sexual health initiative and $1,250,000 from the speaker's list for PPGNY.
- The funding would help address an annual budget deficit threatening access to care for over 7,500 New Yorkers.
- Doer highlights the importance of PPGNY's services, including medical care, emotional support, and protection from harassment for patients seeking reproductive healthcare.
Kellen Doer
4:55:17
Good afternoon.
4:55:17
My name is Kellen Dorr and I'm a volunteer at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.
4:55:21
I want to thank the chair of the health committee, council member Lynn Schulman, and the committee members for the chance to discuss how PPGNY programs and services have benefited me and many New Yorkers throughout the city.
4:55:32
I'm here today to urge the council to support critical investments in PPGNY to ensure they can continue to provide the care over 70,000 New Yorkers depend on.
4:55:42
Planned Parenthood has profoundly impacted my life in ways I will always be grateful for.
4:55:46
When I faced financial difficulties and didn't know what birth control options were available to me, they provided in care and support I desperately needed.
4:55:54
From the moment I walked in, I was met with kindness and understanding, never judged for my circumstances.
4:56:00
The staff, from the nurses to practitioners, not only demonstrated exceptional medical expertise, but also showed deep emotional empathy, making me feel truly supported.
4:56:11
I've witnessed firsthand the powerful impact of their work.
4:56:14
I've seen patients, tears in their eyes, express heartfelt gratitude to the brave escorts stand standing standing outside the doors of Planned Parenthood on Bleecker And Court Street.
4:56:23
I've been one of those patients, scared and alone with people trying to tell me what to do with my body.
4:56:28
But inside those doors, I've always felt heard, respected, and safe.
4:56:32
Planned Parenthood has been and continues to be sanctuary for so many.
4:56:39
I strongly urge you to support PPGNY's ask for $11,250,000 from the reproductive and sexual health health initiative, as well as 1,250,000 from the speakers list on top of the current funding to allow PPGNY to continue to provide health care services and educational programs throughout New York City.
4:56:58
Increased funding will help improve an annual budget deficit that threatens access to care for over 7,500 New Yorkers.
4:57:05
We must ensure reproductive freedom for New Yorkers now before it's too late.
4:57:09
Thank you to the health committee and the New York City Council for listening to me today to understand how critical this funding is to ensuring care for all New Yorkers.