Planned Parenthood Responds to Acts of Domestic Terrorism & Racial Hatred
For Immediate Release: Aug. 5, 2019
New York, NY — Planned Parenthood released the following statement in response to this weekend’s mass shootings.
Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, Acting President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
As the country mourns the deaths of 20 in El Paso, Texas and nine in Dayton, Ohio in less than 24 hours — as well as the daily gun violence that plagues our communities but doesn’t make national headlines — Planned Parenthood is committed to fighting alongside all who work to stop gun violence. Planned Parenthood’s mission is to ensure that all people can live healthy lives, no matter who they are or where they live. The epidemic of gun violence directly affects many immigrant communities and other communities targeted by racist violence — communities that Planned Parenthood health centers serve.
One thing is clear: We cannot continue to arm racist hatred and white nationalist terrorism. We cannot continue to allow white supremacist ideology to go unchecked at the highest levels of our government, fueling violent acts in our communities. We cannot stop raising our voices and taking action, until all people are free from the fear of gun violence.
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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 more than 600 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.