New Web-Based Games Test Knowledge of Abortion in NYS

ALBANY, NY (01/21/2010)(readMedia)-- On the 37th Anniversary of the Supreme Court Decision Roe v Wade, Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood has introduced a new website at www.nychoicequiz.org . The web site offers two inter-active quizzes, and invites men and women of all ages to test their current knowledge of reproductive rights in New York State, and to explore some of the common questions women consider when faced with an unplanned pregnancy.

The website is designed to be an interactive learning experience. Visitors are welcomed with some brief background information and then given the option to take one of both of two quizzes. "Abortion: Your History and Rights" challenges the participant to a True/False test about the history and current status of abortion rights in New York State. The other, "Abortion In Context," invites participants to put themselves in the footsteps of New York women who have faced the choice of continuing an unplanned and/or unwanted pregnancy or to have an abortion.

As stated in the website introduction, the typical American woman first has intercourse at age 17, and reaches menopause at age 51. With most women desiring only 1-2 children, that leaves around 30 years spent trying to avoid unplanned pregnancies. Currently, in the United States , 3.1 million or half of all pregnancies are unintended and about half of all unintended pregnancies will end in abortion.

For those women who face an unintended pregnancy, the decision whether to continue that pregnancy or to have an abortion is not easy or simple. Planned Parenthood believes that each woman must have the right to make that decision for herself, with full information about risks and benefits, and without government influence. That right was largely protected by the original Roe decision, but has been severely restricted in subsequent court decisions.

"Unfortunately, our work with patients, students and community groups has revealed a great deal of misinformation and disinformation concerning the history, safety and availability of abortion, said Blue Carreker, Vice President for Public Affairs and Marketing at Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood. "We have also found that many people do not appreciate the serious consideration that women put into making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy. Our goal was to provide a simple and easily accessible method for those interested to check their knowledge; to find out the facts; and to experience just some of the many issues considered by women when making this decision.

Please visit www.nychoicequiz.org to learn more and test yourself!

# # #

Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood is a non-profit organization serving Albany, Columbia, Greene and Rensselaer Counties. It administers three health centers in downtown Albany, Troy and Hudson and provides medical services to over 12,000 men and women each year. The organization is known as a leading expert in sex education and provides hundreds of educational programs each year to thousands of youth and professionals. UHPP is also a strong advocate for legislation supporting reproductive health and choice.