Planned Parenthood on New Developments in Colorado Shooting Investigation
For Immediate Release: Nov. 29, 2015
Denver, Colorado — Following is a statement released today from Vicki Cowart, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains.
Statement from Vicki Cowart, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Rocky Mountains:
“Today, we are learning that eyewitnesses confirm that the man who will be charged with the tragic and senseless shooting that resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to nine others at Planned Parenthood's health center in Colorado Springs was motivated by opposition to safe and legal abortion.
“This is an appalling act of violence targeting access to health care and terrorizing skilled and dedicated health care professionals.
“The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority. We have strong security measures in place and work closely with law enforcement agencies, and we also ensure that our doors are open to all people who need high-quality, compassionate health care. We believe the safety procedures we have in place helped reduce the number of lives lost and injuries during yesterday's events.
“We've seen an alarming increase in hateful rhetoric and smear campaigns against abortion providers and patients over the last few months. That environment breeds acts of violence. Americans reject the hatred and vitriol that fueled this tragedy. We do not accept this environment as normal. We should not have to live in a world where accessing health care includes safe rooms and bullet proof glass.
“We have a saying at Planned Parenthood: 'These doors stay open.' It means we don't back down because of protestors, violent extremists, or anyone else. It means we are a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for all people who need high-quality reproductive health care.
“Today, in Colorado and across the country, Planned Parenthood's doors are open and we will continue to provide compassionate health care to people who have trusted us and relied on us for generations.”
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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 approximately 700 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
November 28, 2015
Updated
November 29, 2015