What's wrong with this picture?

I've seen it with my own eyes, and I refuse to let a small bunch
of politicians in this country hide the truth.

My name is Amy Bryant. I'm the editor of teenwire.com(R), the
Planned Parenthood website that gives teens medically accurate
facts about sex and empowers them to make responsible choices.
And this is the picture I see play out every day in the lives of
American teenagers:

Funding for comprehensive sex education goes down while funding
for abstinence-only programs goes (way) up.

Teen STD rates skyrocket. (Don't just take my word for it: the
CDC has shown that at least one in four teenage girls has a
sexually transmitted disease.)

It's shocking. But this is about more than just statistics.
These are young people who have names. Stories. Futures ahead of
them ... I meet them every day. So, what's wrong with this
picture? It's backwards, and it's outrageous that teens are
paying the price because of extremist politicians who are afraid
to talk about sex.

So why am I telling you this today? Because right now a generous
friend has agreed to match every dollar you give this month --
up to a total match of $100,000 -- to help Planned Parenthood
combat the highest STD rates in the industrialized world (and
continue our efforts to ensure access to health care for every
single person who needs it).

This is an opportunity that the kids I work with can't afford
for you to miss. Please, have your gift doubled today:
https://secure.ga0.org/02/match08afd/nU7Sn_J51tZrp?source=match08afe2p

We're fighting an uphill battle to counteract the effects of the
Bush administration's obsession with promoting "abstinence-only"
programs instead of real, comprehensive sex education in our
schools. Our next president must be prepared to change this
dangerous course. Until then, we are working hard to

:: Ensure that free or very low-cost STD testing and care is
available to every young person who needs it.

:: Forge partnerships with all kinds of youth-oriented media to
spread the word about prevention, testing, and treatment.

:: Promote comprehensive sex education policies in communities
across the country.

Just last week, Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Cecile
Richards put our challenge nicely: "It's about 'more.' More work
for Planned Parenthood, more knowledge for young people, and
more help from you. And right now, your part -- your
contribution -- can go twice as far." Please make your gift
today: https://secure.ga0.org/02/match08afd/nU7Sn_J51tZrp?source=match08afe2p

I know it will take all that we have to solve the teen health
crisis we are facing. But I have to say, I'm still immensely
hopeful. Why? Because of you. Me. The young people Planned
Parenthood reaches with its teen outreach programs. WE are
Planned Parenthood. And together I really do believe we can
change the picture of teen health in this country.

Thank you for your time and for your ongoing support,

Amy Bryant
for Planned Parenthood Action Fund

P.S. Our donor will only match contributions that come in over
the next few weeks -- so please don't waste a minute. Do your
"more" today! Thank you.
https://secure.ga0.org/02/match08afd/nU7Sn_J51tZrp?source=match08afe2p

*Statistics taken from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention study released on March 11, 2008.
http://www.ppaction.org/ct/x7Sn_J51jTLp/CDCstudy