The term 'Planned Parenthood' can either refer to IPPF, the International Planned Parenthood Federation, or PPFA, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, which is part of IPPF.

Both organizations have the same set of core beliefs. That each and every individual, regardless of sex, race, religion, class, sexual orientation, or nation of residence deserves the right to have full control over their fertility and choice whether or not to be a parent. That reproduction is a personal choice, and deserves full freedom for each individual, along with privacy over their choices.

They also believe that every person should have full control over their sexual health, and deserves access the knowledge and resources to make use of that control.

The organization, at least in the United States, is commonly known for the practice of providing abortions in many of its clinics. This is done in support of individuals having freedom over their reproductive systems, and there are many areas of the country that due to public pressure and religious beliefs, Planned Parenthood is the only organization that offers abortion.

Their services are far from limited to this controversial procedure. Planned Parenthood clinics offer birth control to patients, from items like condoms that are available to someone walking in, to birth control pills, diaphragms, IUDs, and even implants like Norplant. They also offer testing for sexually transmitted diseases, along with treatment for some STDs.

The organization also offers services for pregnant women who wish to have their children - abortion is far from the only thing Planned Parenthood does for the unborn.