Planned Parenthood Honors Black History Month
For Immediate Release: Feb. 1, 2017
New York, NY – In honor of Black History Month, Planned Parenthood will continue to celebrate the courageous leadership in Black communities that moves our nation toward a more equal and just society. For more than a century, Planned Parenthood has worked with leaders in Black communities to increase opportunity and provide greater access to health care for all individuals.
“During Black History Month, we must recommit ourselves to improving the lives of Black communities through quality education and affordable health care — while celebrating the legacy of past African-American trailblazers and a new generation of leaders in the United States,”said Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “Access to health care is a fundamental right for all people — regardless of race, immigration status, country of origin, gender, or sexual orientation. And we will continue to work with communities to dismantle systemic barriers to care.”
As President Trump continues to sign executive orders that threaten to dismantle the progress that has been made, Planned Parenthood is committed to protecting access to health care for all people, especially people of color. Millions of people rely on Planned Parenthood for health care every year, including 370,000 who identify as African American or Black. Among nonelderly Americans that access Medicaid, 19 percent are Black. If they were prevented from accessing Planned Parenthood because of “defunding” legislation, many Black patients would have no other place to go for the services Planned Parenthood provides.
“Now more than ever, the health of Black communities is something we all must be committed to protecting and improving,” said Alencia Johnson, Director of Constituency Communications at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “While we celebrate those who have in the past and those who continue to the fight today at the intersections of racial, gender, reproductive, and LGBTQ justice, we must also join in the fight with them. We are grateful for their leadership, courage, and tenacity in breaking down barriers and moving us all closer to achieving full equality.”
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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With over 650 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.
Source
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Contact
Planned Parenthood Federation of America media office: 212-261-4433
Published
February 01, 2017