Mission and Impact
Our Mission
Planned Parenthood Ottawa exists to empower and advocate alongside those seeking sexual and reproductive health support. We believe that each person should feel supported, respected, and informed as they navigate their reproductive health, relationships, sexuality, and gender identity. With inclusive sexual health education, system navigation, and counselling as our superpowers, we provide life-changing support that community members will remember for the rest of their lives.
Our Vision
For 60 years, we have worked towards a world where everyone has access to equity-driven, culturally safe sexual and reproductive healthcare. Our vision is grounded in bodily autonomy and reproductive justice, where everyone has a champion in their corner, ensuring they are heard, understood, and free from stigma and shame. We work towards a future where joy in our bodies is a right, not a privilege.
Our Values
Community Oriented
We are committed to building and nurturing strong, supportive networks.
Pro choice
We advocate for everyone’s power over their own bodies and health decisions.
Anti-Oppressive
We recognize how various forms of discrimination affect marginalized people and their access to sexual and reproductive health care. We strive to make our resources and services accessible to all.
Sex Positive
We believe in celebrating the joy inherent in embracing our bodies and health.
Evidence based
We empower individuals with the information they need to make informed choices based on their individual needs.
Non-judgmental
We aim to create a space where everyone’s personal beliefs and values are respected, and where your views and choices are accepted.
"I'm just thankful that if at the end of my appointment with somebody if I'm like you would really benefit from a chat, I can be like, hey, go look at Planned Parenthood Ottawa, talk to them. They provide a service that is unparalleled.”
Our impact is critical
Today, more than ever, our communities face attacks on their rights and autonomy—the bodily autonomy of women and queer and trans folks are under siege. In response, PPO offers a sanctuary of programs and services designed to meet a spectrum of needs. From comprehensive sexual health education for youth, to counseling and support for marginalized groups, our workshops and services are havens designed to make our community feel more empowered about their sexual and reproductive healthcare.
We foster a safe, inclusive environment that encourages open discussions, diminishes stigma, and champions agency, joy, and autonomy.
The outcomes of our efforts are both immediate and transformative. Individuals engaging with our services gain valuable knowledge, resources, and support, empowering them to navigate their health and relationships with newfound confidence. Parents and educators are equipped with the tools to discuss consent, gender, and bodies openly, fostering a healthier, more informed dynamic within families and communities. Through education and support, we lay the groundwork for a society that honors and respects sexual and reproductive health, consent, and bodily autonomy.
Planned Parenthood Ottawa’s (PPO) mission is deeply rooted in the principles of reproductive justice, and ensuring that everyone is heard, respected, and supported in their sexual and reproductive health journey.
The absence of such essential services leaves too many without the means to make informed decisions about their health, perpetuating cycles of misinformation, stigma and violence, and barriers to critical care. This challenge is even more pronounced for marginalized communities, like newcomers, youth, and 2SLGBTQIA+ folk, who encounter heightened obstacles to obtaining the support they need.
In a world where comprehensive, inclusive, and accessible sexual and reproductive health care and education are often elusive, Planned Parenthood Ottawa steps in as a champion.
Who does Planned Parenthood Ottawa help?
The community benefiting from PPO’s work is diverse, encompassing individuals of various ages, backgrounds, and identities in the Ottawa region and beyond. This includes:
- Youth and Students: PPO provides sexual health education in schools and community settings, offering information and resources on topics like birth control, STIs, gender and sexuality, consent, and healthy relationships.
- Marginalized Groups: Special attention is given to serving marginalized communities, including newcomers, uninsured, unhoused individuals, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, who may face greater obstacles in accessing health services.
- Families and Educators: By offering resources and workshops, PPO empowers parents, guardians, and educators to have open and informed conversations about sexual and reproductive health.
- Queer and Trans Individuals: With specific programs like the Affirm: Gender Affirming Care Navigation Program, PPO provides tailored support for queer and trans youth and adults, addressing their unique health needs and challenges.
Land acknowledgement
Planned Parenthood Ottawa’s office and all of our work takes place on unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Anishinaabe land- land that was never traded, sold or treatied. The reproductive health of Indigenous folks (and everyone) in our communities is intrinsically tied to the land.
Colonial policies and practices in the healthcare system continue to endanger Indigenous families and reproductive autonomy, such as the outlawing of Indigenous midwifery, child apprehension, routine evacuation for childbirth, and coercive sterilization and abortions. Those with power must take accountability for the impacts of these practices as a threat to public health and advocate for the reproductive agency of all people.
Planned Parenthood Ottawa acknowledges both historical and ongoing colonial violence within the healthcare and social service sectors and are committed to supporting and advocating for the diverse needs of our Indigenous service users- ensuring all sexual and reproductive health decisions made with our team are grounded in informed consent and free from coercion.
Your Donation Builds Knowledge of Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights
In an age of fear and misinformation, knowledge is power, especially when it comes to our sexual and reproductive health. PPO’s educational initiatives and peer-support programs ensure that our community has accurate information about their health and well-being