About Us: News and Stories

This area includes press releases, news on timely topics, and longer, more detailed stories on various topics from our quarterly newsletter Access.

5/21/13
National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month: Poll explores Latinos' attitudes about teen pregnancy
Teen pregnancy rates remain too high in Indiana and nationwide, but they’re declining — and we need to ensure that teens have access to sex education and birth control to help even more young people avoid getting pregnant as teenagers.

5/13/13
PPIN Encourages Women to Get Checkups during National Women’s Health Week
As part of National Women’s Health Week (May 12-18), Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) is urging Hoosier women to schedule preventive checkups, including breast cancer screenings, and, if recommended, a Pap test to help protect their health.

5/1/13
PPIN to Review Legal Options Following Pence Signing of Bill That Intrudes on Women’s Personal Health Care Decisions
Planned Parenthood of Indiana is reviewing its legal options, now that Gov. Mike Pence has signed Senate Enrolled Act 371 (SEA 371), an egregious piece of legislation that intrudes on women’s personal health care decisions and imposes further restrictions on abortion, which is a safe and legal procedure.

4/30/13
Planned Parenthood of Indiana Says HHS Decision on Emergency Contraception Is 'Important Step Forward'
Planned Parenthood of Indiana President and CEO Betty Cockrum released the following statement in response to today’s decision by the Department of Health and Human Services on emergency contraception (EC):
“Making emergency contraception more accessible is an important step forward in reproductive health care policy," Cockrum said.

4/30/13
PPIN’s Goddesses and Gods Gala Passes the $1 Million-Raised Mark for Women's Health Fund
Planned Parenthood of Indiana's 10th annual Gathering of Goddesses and Gods reached the $1 million-raised mark to benefit the Women’s Health Fund.

4/23/13
Get Yourself Tested’ at a PPIN Health Center in April
April is National STD Awareness Month, as well as when PPIN takes part in the “Get Yourself Tested (GYT)” campaign, an effort designed to promote sexual health and address the high rates of STDs among those under age 25. The Mishawaka health center is offering free gonorrhea and chlamydia screenings on April 26.

4/17/13
Only a Few Days Left to get Tickets for Gathering of Goddesses and Gods
Ticket sales close Friday, April 19, for Planned Parenthood of Indiana’s Gathering of Goddesses and Gods. It’s a unique evening of pampering (henna artists! Massages!), dinner, and dancing, so hurry and get your ticket before it’s too late!

4/11/13
Bloomington Health Center Vandalized; How to Offer Your Support
Early on Thursday, April 11, PPIN's Bloomington health center was heavily damaged by a vandal in a targeted attack. For more details, and information about how to offer support, click on the headline above.

4/5/13
PPIN Hails Court Ruling on Emergency Contraception
In a landmark decision for women’s health, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York ruled in Tummino v. Hamburg that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must lift the age restriction for over-the-counter (OTC) access to emergency contraception (EC) .

4/2/13
Indiana Politicians Pass Bill Intruding on Women's Personal Health Care Decisions
Despite thousands of Hoosiers reaching out to their legislators to voice their displeasure, the Indiana House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 371 (SB 371), an egregious piece of legislation that intrudes on women’s personal health care decisions and imposes further restrictions on abortion, which is a safe and legal procedure.

4/1/13
PPIN to Offer Free STD Screenings During April as Part of 'Get Yourself Tested' Campaign
Free screenings will be available at 18 centers health centers across the state on April 12; Mishawaka health center to offer tests on various dates

3/27/13
Indiana Politicians Insist on Interfering with Women's Health Care Decisions
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) today expressed frustration with the state’s legislature, as Hoosier politicians continue to insist on interfering with women’s health care decisions.

3/6/13
Let's Talk Women's History
Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating March as “Women’s History Month.” We consider this a time to reflect on the status of women, no matter where they live. 

2/26/13
Indiana Senate passes bill aimed at ending Hoosier women's access to safe and legal non-surgical abortion
Today, the Indiana Senate passed a bill that threatens Hoosier women’s health. If it becomes law, Senate Bill 371, a Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (“TRAP”) bill, would require numerous medically unnecessary licensing requirements for a Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) health center in Lafayette that provides safe and legal non-surgical abortion.

1/2/13
Make Cervical Health a Priority in the New Year
Noting that cervical cancer is preventable and that proper screening is key to early detection, Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) is calling on women to resolve to protect their cervical health during January’s Cervical Health Awareness Month.

11/15/12
Celebrating National Adoption Month, Thanking Our Adoption Partners
Many people may not be aware that all our health centers offer adoption information to help our patients make educated decisions about what's best for them and their families. In recognition of National Adoption Month, we’re proud to announce that since 2006, with the help of our referral partners, the Adoption Center for Family Building and the Independent Adoption Center, PPIN has paved the way for at least 12 successful adoptions.

10/23/12
PPIN applauds 7th Circuit Court of Appeals decision
Today, Planned Parenthood of Indiana applauded the 7^th Circuit Court of Appeals decision affirming the preliminary injunction halting the enforcement of a key HEA 1210 provision that would have barred PPIN from receiving Medicaid funding for lifesaving tests and preventive care for thousands of Hoosiers.  HEA 1210 is the state law signed by Gov. Mitch Daniels in 2011 that attempts to strip Medicaid funding from PPIN and restrict the rights of patients.

10/16/12
Health center relocating from Castleton to Fishers
Planned Parenthood of Indiana is moving one of its health centers from Indianapolis' Castleton neighborhood to the Town of Fishers. The Castleton health center at 8121 Center Run Drive on the northeast side of Indianapolis will close its doors on Oct. 17, 2012. The Fishers lcoation at 8937 Technology Drive will welcome patients for the first time on Oct. 19. The phone number and hours (click for details) will not change.

10/3/12
When was the last time you had a breast exam?
If it's been a while, why not make an appointment at your local PPIN health center in October? You see, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we want to take advantage of this opportunity to encourage as many Hoosier women as possible to be aware of their breast health. Clinical breast exams, which are offered at 27 of our health centers, are recommended every one to three years for most women in their 20s and 30s.

9/15/12
September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
September has been designated Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month across the country. Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) is taking advantage of this opportunity to shine the spotlight on the importance of Pap and HPV tests in diagnosing a specific type of this cancer – cervical cancer – as early as possible.

7/20/12
The Work Begins With Us
Betty Cockrum reflects on the groundbreaking 2012 London Family Planning Summit.

7/12/12
PPIN Encouraged by Continued Decline in Terminated Pregnancies
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) President & CEO Betty Cockrum issued the following statement after newly-released data from the Indiana State Department of Health revealed that terminated pregnancies in Indiana decreased by 12% between 2010 and 2011 and have steadily decreased over the past decade.

5/4/2012
PPIN to Offer Free Pap Tests at 19 Centers During National Women’s Health Week
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) will offer free Pap tests at 19 of its health centers in celebration of National Women’s Health Week, May 13-19, 2012.

4/25/2012
We Are Women Rally Set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 28 at Indiana Statehouse
Part of a national movement, the We Are Women Rally on April 28 is a protest against the legislative assaults on women that continue to spread throughout the nation, including in Indiana.

4/10/2012
PPIN President and CEO Betty Cockrum Welcomes Declines in U.S., Indiana Teen Birth Rates
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) today welcomed the news from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) that the teen birth rate in the United States dropped to a historic low in 2010.

3/21/2012
PPIN to offer free STD screenings during April as part of 'Get Yourself Tested' campaign
Free screenings will be available at 19 centers April 2-6, and every Friday through the end of April; free HIV testing also available.

3/6/2012
Sandy Sasso: Religious Institutions and Birth Control
Rabbi Sandy Sasso's op-ed from the Indianapolis Star about birth control and religious institutions.

2/21/2012
PPIN Statement in Response to Rep. Bob Morris' Accusations
PPIN President and CEO Betty Cockrum issued the following statement in response to a letter from Rep. Bob Morris to his Indiana General Assembly colleagues.

2/17/2012
Facts About the Birth Control Coverage Benefit
The truth about the Obama Administration's new birth control benefit decision and religious accommodation.

2/8/2012
PPIN to Offer Free Cholesterol Testing Feb. 13-18, in Recognition of American Heart Month
In recognition of American Heart Month, Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) will offer free cholesterol testing to patients at 19 health centers across the state from Feb. 13 through Feb. 18.

2/3/2012
It's All About the Mission
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) is enormously grateful that the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation has clarified its grant-making criteria, allowing Komen to continue partnering with Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country in providing lifesaving breast cancer screenings.

2/1/2012
Help Planned Parenthood Continue to Provide Lifesaving Health Services
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation has announced that it will stop supporting lifesaving breast cancer screening for low-income and underserved women at Planned Parenthood health centers.

1/19/2012
PPIN Announces New Hours of Service for Muncie, Terre Haute Health Centers
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) today announced new hours of service for its Muncie and Terre Haute health centers.

1/3/2012
PPIN Recognizes National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month by Urging Women to Get Regular Checkups
Making New Year’s resolutions?  As part of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) is urging women in the Hoosier state to put preventive checkups, including cervical cancer screenings, at the top of their lists. 

11/18/2011
PPIN to Offer Free HIV Tests at 19 Centers Dec. 1 through Dec. 8 in Recognition of World AIDS Day
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) will recognize World AIDS Day, which falls on Dec. 1 every year, by offering free HIV tests at 19 of its health centers from the first of December through Dec. 8, 2011.

11/10/2011
FSSA's short-sightedness
From the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette: Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration ignored state law and caused Indiana taxpayers to lose out on more than $7 million.

11/10/2011
PPIN Drops Price of Flu Shots to $18
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) announced today that beginning immediately, the nonprofit is lowering the price of its influenza vaccines to $18 each.

11/6/2011
Did Indiana miss a $7M opportunity?
The Indianapolis Star reports on the state's failure to implement important family planning services.

11/2/2011
Want to Reduce Poverty? Family Planning Is Key.
Every year, the Annie E. Casey Foundation shares important information with us through its "Kids Count" report.

10/20/2011
PPIN President and CEO Urges Appeals Court to Side with Indiana's Health
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Indiana were in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago this morning, defending PPIN’s patients and the lifesaving, preventive care the nonprofit provides.

10/19/2011
October is "Let's Talk" Month
Each year, October is designated as "Let's Talk" month, and the focus on making parents aware of the importance of talking with their young people about sexuality.

8/23/2011
Planned Parenthood of Indiana to Offer Low-Cost Flu Shots at 19 Centers Across the State
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) announced today that beginning Sept. 6, influenza vaccines will be available for $23 at a number of its health centers across the sate.  

8/1/2011
Planned Parenthood of Indiana Delighted to Again Take Part in Tax Credit Program
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) is delighted to announce that the state has awarded it $6,000 in 2011-2012 Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credits. The NAP program helps organizations leverage donations.

7/28/2011
Planned Parenthood of Indiana to Begin Half-Price HIV Testing in Bloomington
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) will begin offering half-price HIV testing at its Bloomington health center on August 1. The rapid-results saliva tests will cost $12.50, instead of the usual $25.

7/18/2011
Madison Health Center Offering New Services to Patients Beginning July 11
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) today announced that its Madison health center, located at 220 Clifty Dr., will begin offering patients a number of new medical services on July 22.

6/28/2011
Statement from Planned Parenthood of Indiana President and CEO Betty Cockrum
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) is not surprised the State of Indiana filed an appeal of the judge’s decision granting a preliminary injunction of the majority of HEA 1210. We are confident we will prevail in our legal arguments and find it regrettable that the Indiana Attorney General has chosen to invest even more state resources in an appeal.

6/24/2011
Judge Rules in Planned Parenthood's Favor on Defunding
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) is relieved that U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt has granted its motion for a preliminary injunction to halt the enforcement of the new state law that strips Medicaid funding from PPIN. The decision means that PPIN can once again be reimbursed for the preventive health care it provides its 9,300 Medicaid patients.

6/20/2011
Planned Parenthood of Indiana Makes Difficult Decisions in Case Judge Doesn't Rule by This Evening
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) told staff members this morning that it is making some difficult decisions in the event that U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt doesn’t rule on a request for a preliminary injunction by the close of business today.

6/13/2011
State Serves Another Blow to Planned Parenthood of Indiana - Donations Take a Hit
In the midst of a critical time for fundraising, Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) has learned that its application for 2011 Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credits has been rejected. The NAP program helps organizations leverage donations.

6/6/2011
U.S. District Court Hearing Held in Planned Parenthood of Indiana Injunction Case
A U.S. District Court judge today held a hearing on Planned Parenthood of Indiana’s request for a preliminary injunction against HEA 1210, the new state law that strips Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN).

6/1/2011
Statement from PPIN President and CEO Betty Cockrum on Decision from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
“It is incredibly gratifying to have the federal government confirm what we’ve been saying all along, that HEA 1210 violates federal law. It is right that the federal government take action against Indiana and set an example for other states seeking to adopt this type of harmful legislation."

5/25/2011
Planned Parenthood of Indiana Able to Extend Care to Established Medicaid Patients Once Again
Thanks to contributions from individuals in 46 states and multiple countries, Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) will be able to extend care to its established Medicaid patients through at least Wednesday, June 15.

5/19/2011
Donations Allow Planned Parenthood of Indiana to Extend Care to Medicaid Patients through May 30
Due to an ongoing and meaningful outpouring of financial support from women and men across the country, Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) is able to continue to cover the costs of care to its established Medicaid patients through at least Monday, May 30. 

5/13/2011
Planned Parenthood of Indiana to Extend Care to Medicaid Patients - a Temporary Fix
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) will cover the costs of care to its Medicaid patients around the state through at least Saturday, May 21.

5/11/2011
Planned Parenthood of Indiana Disappointed in Judge's Ruling
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) is deeply disappointed that U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt decided today not to grant PPIN’s request for a temporary restraining order to prevent a measure from being enforced that prohibits the state’s largest reproductive health care organization from receiving federal funds.

5/10/2011
ACLU of Indiana Files Request for Injunction and Temporary Restraining Order in U.S. District Court in Planned Parenthood of Indiana Case
Immediately following Gov. Mitch Daniels’ signing of HEA 1210 late today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana (A CLU of Indiana) filed a request for an injunction and temporary restraining order in U.S. District Court on behalf of Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) and its patients.

4/29/2011
Statement from Betty Cockrum, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Indiana:
“The decision to sign HB 1210 into law is unconscionable and unspeakable. We will now suffer the consequences of lawmakers who have no regard for fact-based decision making and sound public health policy. "

4/29/2011
Hoosiers Ask “What can I do?” Supporters Plan Rallies Across the State
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) has been overwhelmed by the requests from Hoosiers asking what they can do to help protect PPIN’s funding.   As a result, rallies are being scheduled around the state.

4/27/2011
PPIN Says “Be Our Man Mitch, Veto This Bill!”
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) is asking Governor Mitch Daniels to veto one of the worst pieces of public health legislation in Indiana’s history.   HB 1210 not only would require doctors to lie to women before an abortion, but it could also cost the State of Indiana millions of dollars.

4/26/2011
PPIN Health Centers Celebrate National Women’s Health Week with Free Pap Days
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) will celebrate the 12^th annual National Women’s Health Week, May 8-14, with Free Pap Days at health centers around the state.  The organization is beginning to take appointments for the days. 

4/21/2011
Gathering of Goddesses and Gods Raises Record Amount for Preventive Health Care
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) has tallied up the preliminary numbers and is pleased to announce the 8th Annual Gathering of Goddesses and Gods raised a record amount of money for preventive health care on Saturday, April 16.  The sold-out event brought in $170,000 for the Women’s Health Fund. 

4/19/2011
Planned Parenthood of Indiana Vows to Keep Fighting
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) and its network of supporters are outraged the Indiana State Senate has voted to put the health care of 22,000 Hoosiers at risk and vowed to immediately file for injunctive relief if HB 1210 becomes law, which could be costly for the State of Indiana.

4/18/2011
Planned Parenthood of Indiana Stunned by Defunding Amendment; Clarifies Consequences
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) is stunned that State Senators voted today in favor of an amendment to prohibit the state from contracting with, or granting to, the organization.  An amendment to HB 1210 includes language from HB 1205 in its entirety.  That bill was never voted on in the House, nor was its equivalent, SB 20, heard in the Senate committee to which it was assigned.

4/15/2011
Planned Parenthood of Indiana Reacts to U.S. Senate Vote to Reject Proposal to Bar Planned Parenthood from Receiving Federal Funds to Provide Preventive Health Care
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) released the following statement today after the U. S. House passed and the Senate rejected a proposal that would bar Planned Parenthood from providing preventive health services including birth control, breast and cervical cancer screenings, STD testing and treatment, and HIV testing to patients who are covered by Medicaid and other federal programs.

4/13/2011
Gathering of Goddesses and Gods Sold Out for First Time
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) is thrilled to announce that the upcoming Gathering of Goddesses and Gods is sold out for the first time in history. 

4/8/2011
Planned Parenthood of Indiana President Betty Cockrum Releases Statement on Looming Federal Government Shutdown
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) President and CEO Betty Cockrum today said it is an outrage to shut down the federal government over an extreme proposal that would deny millions of American women preventive health care

4/6/2011
Planned Parenthood of Indiana Works to Keep Young People Healthy During STD Awareness Month
To help reduce the alarming rate of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among young people in the U.S., Planned Parenthood of Indiana is joining with MTV, the Kaiser Family Foundation, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to encourage young people to GYT — Get Yourself Tested — during National STD Awareness Month in April.

3/29/2011
Free HIV Tests to Be Offered on April 1 at 19 PPIN Health Centers Around the State
Free Tests Part of ‘GYT: Get Yourself Tested’ Campaign and National STD Awareness Month

3/25/2011
Planned Parenthood of Indiana to Relocate Gary Health Center
Planned Parenthood of Indiana, the state's leading provider of preventive reproductive health care, is pleased to announce that its Gary health center is moving to a new location.

3/8/2011
Hundreds Rally at Statehouse to Support PPIN
More than 400 women and men rallied on the South Lawn of the Indiana Statehouse to speak their minds and show their support for Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) and continued access to affordable reproductive health care.

2/28/2011
Rally At The Statehouse To Protect Our Patients
Planned Parenthood and reproductive health care have been under attack by members of the Indiana General Assembly this session, as well as some in Congress – most notably U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, who represents Indiana’s 6th District.

2/18/2011
Indiana and National Planned Parenthood Organizations React to Federal and State Defunding Attempts
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) and Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) are outraged that the U.S. House of Representatives passed Indiana Congressman Mike Pence's amendment to bar Planned Parenthood from receiving federal funds for basic primary and lifesaving preventive health care to women and families.

2/17/2011
Planned Parenthood of Indiana Appalled by the Legislative Assault on Women
Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) is appalled by the legislative assault on women.

2/10/2011
The Truth About Our Funding
An open letter from President and CEO Betty Cockrum

1/19/2011
Leading Philanthropist Chairs Planned Parenthood of Indiana Event to Raise Funds for Preventive Health Care
Planned Parenthood of Indiana announces that Deborah J. Simon of Indianapolis – a leading philanthropist and women's health advocate– will serve as honorary chair of PPIN's Eighth Annual Gathering of Goddesses and Gods set for Saturday, April 16 in downtown Indianapolis.

1/14/2011
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Food Drive
January 18 - 22nd
Celebrate Dr. King's legacy of service and bring your non-perishable food donations to any Planned Parenthood of Indiana health center. Donations will go to your local food pantry.

1/10/2011
Planned Parenthood of Indiana Drops Price of Flu Shots to $10; 19 Health Centers Offering Vaccinations
Planned Parenthood of Indiana announced today that it has dropped the price of its influenza vaccines to just $10, while supplies last.

1/5/2011
Planned Parenthood of Indiana Increases Successful Adoptions
Planned Parenthood of Indiana is delighted to announce it has increased its record of successful adoptions.

12/16/2010
PPIN Now Offering Essure® – New Option for Permanent Birth Control – at Georgetown Health Center
Planned Parenthood of Indiana is expanding services and now offering Essure® at its Indianapolis health center at 8590 Georgetown Rd.