I *heart* my cervix

As many of you know I am an active supporter, friend, and advocate of Planned Parenthood both locally and nationally. Well apparently my CERVIX is too! Go figure!? Although 'pro-choice' is sometimes translated by both the educated and the ignorant as 'pro-abortion' my affinities are for a woman's right to choose. I have been "choosing" for a while now (yeah yeah I' m a slut like the other 90% of the population who doesn't wait for marriage) but the fact of the matter is every one of us makes some sort of CHOICE when it comes to our bodies. Planned Parenthood's commitment to education, contraceptive equity, and overall women's health inspires me to be an '08 feminist. Oh yeah I love my man, I shave my legs, I don't set my bras on fire and I support women's issues.

Anywho.. I got this advocacy email today from her, my cervix (who apparently works for Planned Parenthood now), and it is BY FAR MY FAVORITE advocacy email yet. It's not every day that your favorite doughnut shaped organ and super star sperm shield writes you a personal letter. I did detect some jealous undertones directed towards my dear little clit - those two clearly need peer mediation. We're all in this together ladies! But all that aside, cheers to her, thanks for writing, and you know what? I will pass it on! I want you all to know that I love your cervixes ,thats right, we don't say it enough. I love you cervix - keep on keepin on. *I also really like the p.s., my cervix is so inclusive ;)

Dear Tamara, This is your cervix writing.

I know, you might've forgotten I existed until you got this e-mail just now (what with vagina and clitoris always hogging all the attention). I bet you wouldn't even recognize me if you saw me -- me, your very own cervix! Well, that's exactly why my pals at Planned Parenthood have a few ideas for you on how to show me some love. They've been helping women screen against cervical cancer for decades, and right now they're offering a few easy ways you can take care of yours truly (or, for you guys out there, how you can make sure your sisters, spouses, daughters, and friends stay healthy, too):

TOP THREE WAYS TO LOVE YOUR CERVIX (or the Cervix of Someone You Love)

1. GET A PAP TEST. I know, I know, this seems obvious. But think about it: When WAS your last Pap test? Start taking care of it this very moment. It couldn't be more important, and Planned Parenthood couldn't make it easier for you to find your nearest health center and make an appointment. Please don't put it off; you owe me a Pap and a cervical cancer screening at least once a year: Make your appointment now.

2. GET THE HPV VACCINE. You may have heard about this one in the news -- well, now it's time to take advantage of it. Protect me from the types of human papilloma virus (HPV) responsible for 70 percent of all cervical cancer cases, not to mention genital warts. Check out these YouTube videos to learn more about me, HPV, and the HPV vaccine.

3. HAVE SAFER SEX. Okay, duh. But seriously, when I say safer, I mean using protection every time. Add HPV and cervical cancer to the long list of reasons why safer sex is sexier sex, and remember: your cervix cannot protect you, so please protect your cervix.

Happy National Cervical Cancer Screening Month!

Love, Your cervix

P.S. Don't have a cervix? Forward this to the people you love who do have cervixes!