Planned Parenthood Supporters Rally Coast to Coast to Protect Access to Planned Parenthood
For Immediate Release: March 27, 2017
Washington, DC ––Today, Planned Parenthood supporters in cities around the country showed up in force outside their representatives’ offices and rallied in opposition to the worst women’s health legislation in a generation. This army of pink clad supporters sent a very clear message: “We will not go quietly into the night while you take away our health care.”
As Paul Ryan and Donald Trump continued to push their disastrous bill, Planned Parenthood supporters’ voices became louder and louder. Ultimately, Paul Ryan and Donald Trump were too scared to face the consequences and put their bill to a vote.
Quote from Cecile Richards, President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
“Over the last few months, we witnessed a never-before-seen outpouring of organizing, activism, and support. People marched, showed up at town hall meetings across America, flooded the Congressional switchboard with calls, organized online, stood up for access to health care. If you’ve ever wondered whether speaking out made a difference, today is your answer.
“We know this is the beginning, not the end. But because people organized and spoke out, tomorrow, another 8,118 people will be able to get care at Planned Parenthood health centers across the country. And we will never stop fighting for the 2.5 million people who count on us each year.”
In Virginia, the Washington Post reported: “As Comstock made her announcement (to vote no) Friday, activists from Planned Parenthood had packed a hallway outside her district office about 30 miles away from the Capitol. They called on her to oppose the bill.”
The Arizona Republic wrote that Planned Parenthood supporters were protesting in “Phoenix and cities across the nation to oppose what they call the "worst piece of legislation for women in a generation."
CBS in Philadelphia said that “Friday’s anticipated health care vote prompted rallies around the state and across the country” including one outside of Rep. Meehan’s office in Pennsylvania.
Roundup of articles:
Dallas News: Texas Republican faces political quandary in do-or-die GOP health care bill vote
Long Island Press:Obamacare Advocates to Rally Outside Rep. Peter King’s Office
CBS Philly: Protesters Spoke Out Against Health Care Vote At Rep. Meehan’s Offices
WSCH:Obamacare Support Rally in Lewiston
KFGO:Protesters urge Cramer not to defund Planned Parenthood
Palm Beach Post:Obamacare Advocates Rally Against Trumpcare In West Palm Beach
Valley News: Supporters of Planned Parenthood Planning to Rally on Friday
CBS8: Protesters rally to save Planned Parenthood funding
In Forum: Planned Parenthood Supporters To Rally Friday Outside Cramer's Fargo Office
KHTS (CA):Planned Parenthood Plans Rally For Santa Clarita Skate Park Saturday
Chicago Sun Times: Hundreds rally, march downtown to decry American Health Care Act
KJZZ: Planned Parenthood Rallies Planned To Protest ACA Repeal
Photos from Protest Rallies Outside Member Offices
Planned Parenthood Southern Finger Lakes protested outside of Rep. Tom Reed’s office (NY-23) the demand that he vote to protect access to care at Planned Parenthood.
In Florida, Planned Parenthood volunteers gathered at MLK Jr. Memorial Park across from Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach County for a speak out.
In Chicago, IL, Planned Parenthood, SEIU, and other progressive organizations in Chicago area rallied to fight back against attempts to repeal the ACA and “defund” Planned Parenthood.
Close to 100 Planned Parenthood supporters crammed into Rep. Barbara Comstock’s (VA-10) office and into the hallway. Four patients spoke out. An hour later Comstock was a “NO” vote.
In North Dakota, Planned Parenthood supporters wearing pink chanted “I stand with Planned Parenthood” to demand that Rep. Kevin Cramer protect their access to health care.
In Minnesota, Planned Parenthood supporters delivered 5,626 swabs - used for cancer screenings and STD testing - to Erik Paulsen’s district office (MN-03) to represent each constituent who relies on Medicare to receive preventative care.
Dozens rallied at Rep. Patrick Meehan’s office (PA-7) to demand he protect their access to health care.
Over 75 people showed up to rally outside of Representative Fitzpatricks’ office—with 5 people going in every few minutes to drop off letters of support of Planned Parenthood.
Over 150 Planned Parenthood supporters and patients took to the streets in Kingston, NY and rallied at Rep. John Faso’s office to protest his support of “defunding” Planned Parenthood patients.
Over a hundred people rallied outside of Rep. Darrell Issa’s (CA-49) office to demand he vote no of “defunding” Planned Parenthood.
Outside of Rep. Dana Rohrabacher’s (CA-48) office, over a hundred Planned Parenthood supporters demanded he not take their health care away.
Planned Parenthood supporters gathered outside Rep. Ed Royce’s (CA-39) office today.
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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
March 24, 2017