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By: BRYAN ANDERTON COMMENTS
 
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has helped Planned Parenthood officials is by teaching
them how to be more culturally sensitive so they can fully meet the needs of
lesbian and bisexual patients. This includes paying attention to the language
the organization uses on its intake forms and during initial consultations with
lesbian and bisexual patients, especially related to sexual activity and “marital
status.”
The Mautner Project has also trained Planned Parenthood staff members on some
of the risk factors lesbians can face, including the myth that they are not
at risk for contracting HIV or cervical cancer because of the misconception
that none are sexually active with men.
“You can’t make assumptions,” says Kathleen DeBold, the Mautner
Project’s executive director. “You have to ask about behavior, not
just identity.”
Gaiter said Planned Parenthood plans to operate the bi-weekly L Clinic at its
Falls Church site for about a year, and then fold the services into the general
services the organization provides.
Bryan Anderton can be reached at banderton@washblade.com
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