It seems impossible, but WDUQ, the flagship NPR affiliate in Pittsburgh, refuses to air Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania's (PPWP) prevention message. After allowing PPWP to underwrite news segments for only two days, the public radio station decided it could no longer accept PPWP’s donation and tell the listening audience about comprehensive sexuality education, cancer screening, or sexually transmitted infection screening.
According to Scott Hanley, WDUQ’s station manager, Duquesne University has instructed WDUQ to refuse underwriting from Planned Parenthood. It seems the university is now dictating who can give money to the flagship NPR station, and what it can air. And apparently that means Planned Parenthood's message of prevention can't be aired.
Planned Parenthood believes in public radio and PPWP has long admired WDUQ for its pledge to maintain its independence and integrity as a news station. We're also proud of the work PPWP does to ensure strong and healthy families by providing the region’s women and men in need with health care services and information.
As one Planned Parenthood supporter wrote, "What part of the overall mission of prevention, including abstinence, teen self-esteem, cancer screenings and general health, does Duquesne University disagree with?" Is Duquesne University going to screen every donor to make sure each is in compliance with Catholic doctrine?
If you want to speak out, send WDUQ and Duquesne University a letter and tell them to reverse their decision.