New Year, New President.

Welcome in 2012! At the start of a every new year millions of people attempt to dedicate themselves to new goals and resolutions; new diets, new workouts, new jobs. Of course I've reconciled with myself to keep to my good eating habits and I even joined a gym to make working out a priority. But there's another thing on my mind for the new year. Who will I vote for in the 2012 election? Yes, it's my first time I'll be able to vote! 

Let's face it, politics is a sensitive subject.  So is abortion. 

I came across an article written by actress Maggie Gyllenhaal in the February 2012 edition of Glamour. Within the article she raises awareness regarding the attacks that many of the 2012 candidates have been making on Planned Parenthood. Gyllenhaal expressed her support for the Planned Parenthood Action Fund organization; providing a website for further information, http://www.womenarewatching.org/. 

As I explored the website it hit me! My resolution for this year is to pick the best candidate based on their  views of healthcare. On the website, clips were posted of Mitt Romney, Rick Santorium and Newt Gingrich all supporting abortion rights and "life at conception". On the flipside, President Obama supports Planned Parenthood and greater access to pap smears, hpv vaccinations, birth control and sex education. 

For those Americans and presidential candidates who support the idea of "life at conception", I see your point. Yes, we are all required to take biology and learn that when the sperm and egg colide, a fetus develops. It seems selfish and barbaric to terminate potential life to live our own life. But doesn't it also seems selfish and barbaric for those 2012 candidates who also produce vicious commercials of their opponents? Let's get real. 

Why should Americans support Planned Parenthood? We need to ensure that women can achieve a healthy lifestyle; both physically and mentally. The Affordable Care Act does so for women's healthcare. If we take away affordable medical needs then we are downgrading the quality of life for many women. Is that what we want for this country? To make affordable healthcare only for the rich? The key ingredient that Planned Parenthood provides is preventative care such as birth control, sex education and pap tests. Point blank, Planned Parenthood creates an equal opportunity for all women. Let's fight for equality. 

It definitely worthwhile to get informed about the stance that Republicans and Democrats are taking this year regarding women's healthcare access. Their views say a lot about how they want to run this country and how much they really care about affordable healthcare access. Feel free to voice your opinion on my blog or even dispute my words. Everyone has a right to a say!