Kansas City - July 10, 2008


Wichita - June 26, 2008

There are so many ways YOU can make a difference – as a PPKM Volunteer!! 

Help protect reproductive freedom by joining pro-choice volunteers and activists
as we work together on a variety of volunteer projects.  It's a great way to get involved and
stay in the loop on legislative activities in Kansas and Missouri! 

WEDNESDAY, July 9, 2008
5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
PPKM Administrative Office
4401 W. 109th St., Overland Park, KS
Pizza will be provided!

FMI or to RSVP - Contact PPKM’s Volunteer Department at
913.312.5100 ext 227 or ppkmvolunteer@ppkm.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2008                                                                                                                                                                          
Grand Jury Concludes Investigation and Clears Planned Parenthood
Comprehensive Health Remains Dedicated to Providing Confidential Health Care Services

Overland Park, KS – Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri (PPKM) has been cleared of any criminal wrong doing, this time by the citizen grand jury in Johnson County.  PPKM commends the grand jury for their time and effort throughout the investigation and trusts this decision will give the people of Kansas renewed confidence in the justice system.

“We appreciate the diligence shown by the 15 citizens who devoted three months of their lives to ensuring justice," stated Peter Brownlie, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Kansas & Mid-Missouri. “For nearly 75 years, Planned Parenthood has been a vital resource for our community.  This encouraging outcome affirms that we are a trusted source of health care and education for thousands of women and families. We hope that the Grand Jury’s fair-minded evaluation of the evidence will put an end to the politically motivated attacks on reproductive health care in Kansas.”

The grand jury was convened in December 2007, after a coalition of extremist anti-choice groups led a petition process.  During a three month investigation, Planned Parenthood provided the 15-member grand jury with all the information that it sought for its investigation and did so while fully protecting patient privacy and confidentiality. “Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri has an ironclad commitment to protecting patient privacy,” stated Brownlie. The grand jury voted to end any further requests or examination into patient records, according to retired Judge Larry McClain, Special Counsel to the Grand Jury.
 
“The grand jury’s decision validates our contention throughout that we had nothing to fear from this investigation,” said Brownlie.  “Planned Parenthood cooperated fully with this investigation and we are very pleased that the health, safety, and security of our patients remained a top priority during this process.

Unfortunately, the battle is not over for PPKM or Kansas women.  Still pending are the 107 criminal charges filed by Johnson County District Attorney Phill Kline against Comprehensive Health.  The next hearing on that matter is in early April.

“Instead of intimidating and harassing health care providers and their patients, hardliners who oppose abortion should link arms with the women's health community to focus on real solutions that prevent unintended pregnancy, like affordable birth control and comprehensive sex education in schools,” Brownlie concluded.

Related Links:
Kansas legislators should reconsider law that lets activists launch grand jury probes
Sour grapes after grand jury goes bust
Planned Parenthood Grand Jurors Call for Review of Kansas Law

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Our Mission:  To ensure that every individual has the knowledge, opportunity and freedom to make informed private decisions about reproductive and sexual health

A Letter to Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri (PPKM) Clients from PPKM President and CEO Peter Brownlie

I am writing to personally assure you that Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri protects the confidentiality of your medical records.

You may have seen media reports that a Johnson County Grand Jury is seeking confidential patient records and information.  While PPKM is working with the grand jury and its special legal counsel, our number one priority has been and continues to be safeguarding our patients’ privacy.

PPKM has a long history of protecting our patients' medical records. In 2006, in a separate case, the Kansas Supreme Court backed our commitment to protecting patient confidentiality when it ruled against a subpoena for full patient records requested by anti-choice politician Phill Kline.

In this current case, PPKM has worked with a Johnson County judge, the grand jury, and its special legal counsel to ensure that information provided to the grand jury under subpoena in no way jeopardizes patient privacy. These groups have worked together to establish rules to fully safeguard patient confidentiality.

In the next few weeks, you may see other news reports about this matter. The most important thing for you to know is that Planned Parenthood is here for you. Your health, safety, and privacy are very important to us. We will use every means within the law to protect your right to privacy.  If you have any questions or concerns, please call us any time at 913-345-1400, ext. 303.

Sincerely,

Peter Brownlie
President and CEO
Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri

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Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri remains committed to providing all of our patients quality health care services and education. Call 1.800.230.PLAN to schedule your appointment today.

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