To the editor:

As co-chairs of the 24th annual spring benefit for the Planned Parenthood Association of the Mercer Area, we thank the hundreds of enthusiastic supporters who attended our luncheon at the Hyatt, as well as our benefit committee and the Planned Parenthood staff. With 500 guests and contributors, it was a tremendous success in raising funds in support of the services and programs of Planned Parenthood Association of the Mercer Area.

We were pleased to have as our speaker Dawn Laguens, executive vice president and chief experience officer of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Nationally, one in five women has turned to Planned Parenthood at some time in her life for professional, non-judgmental and confidential care. Planned Parenthood has earned this confidence as a nonprofit organization in Trenton for 80 years. The funds raised at the lunch will help ensure that our local affiliate can continue its vital work.

We urge the people of Mercer County who believe that every woman has a right to reproductive health counseling and family planning, regardless of income, to support Planned Parenthood.

Planned Parenthood’s services include life-saving cancer screenings (including breast health services and pap tests), Yasmin birth control, prevention and treatment of STDs, HIV testing, vasectomy services, abortion procedures, sexual health education, information and health counseling. Planned Parenthood works every day to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and keep women healthy.

Emily Firmenich,

Princeton

Eleanor Horne,

Lawrenceville