Thousands of Planned Parenthood Supporters Across the Country Stand in Solidarity
For Immediate Release: Dec. 7, 2015
Nearly 50 Events Bring Thousands Together in Communities Across the Country to Remember Victims and Renounce Hateful Rhetoric and Violence, #Solidarity Trending Nationally
Washington, DC – Thousands of Planned Parenthood supporters, community members and partner organizations came together today at nearly 50 locations across the country, and millions were engaged online for the National Day of Solidarity. Events remembered the victims of the tragedy in Colorado Springs, showed support for access to safe reproductive health care free from violence, threats and intimidation, and called for an end to hateful rhetoric that is inciting violence in our communities.
Quote from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
“We come together today to remember those who lost their lives in Colorado Springs and San Bernardino and those of you whose lives are forever changed --- and to recommit ourselves to ending violence against women, against doctors, against clinicians, against health centers, and against America.”
“What happened in Colorado Springs broke our hearts -- and it steeled our spines. In these moments we all have a choice: Do we let callousness win, or compassion? Do we tune out, or do we engage? Shutdown, or stand up? Planned Parenthood always chooses compassion. Even in the hardest times. Especially in the hardest times.”
“Planned Parenthood will continue doing what they do every day, all across this country -- saving lives. Thousands of patients have come through our doors since last Friday, and millions more will this year. Our doors stay open.”
Thousands attended nearly 50 events that took place across the country, including two anchor events in Washington, DC, and Denver, CO, where hundreds gathered. Events took the form of vigils, rallies, and more. Millions were engaged online with #Solidarity trending nationally. Planned Parenthood had over 50 ally partners including Advocates for Youth, Black Women’s Health Imperative, National Abortion Federation, National Black Justice Coalition, CREDO, MoveOn, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, National Organization for Women, NARAL, ACLU, SEIU, and more.
President Barack Obama released a statement on Planned Parenthood’s Day of Solidarity saying: “Too often these acts of violence are attempts to silence our voices and undermine our most cherished values: freedom, equality, and opportunity. Too often these terrible acts seek to generate fear. That’s why today is so important – it’s an affirmation that we’re not afraid. It’s an affirmation that we stand together against violence that seeks to divide us and to undermine the ideals that make America great. No woman, no American, should fear violence or intimidation when seeking health care, or assisting others in obtaining that treatment.”
The Day of Solidarity comes a week after the tragic shooting at a Planned Parenthood health center in Colorado Springs, CO, and just days after Congress doubled down on their attacks against reproductive health care --- fast-tracking a bill that would block patients from services at Planned Parenthood health centers.
Events took place in:
Mobile, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama
Tempe, Arizona
Little Rock, Arkansas
Los Angeles, California
Denver, Colorado
Atlanta, Georgia
Chicago, Illinois
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Norton, Massachusetts
St. Louis, Missouri
Springfield, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Jackson, Mississippi
Missoula, Montana
Billings, Montana
Great Falls, Montana
Reno, Nevada
Elmira, New York
Corning, New York
Syracuse New York
Rochester, New York
New York, New York
Hempstead, NY
Buffalo, New York
Raleigh, North Carolina
Fargo, North Dakota
Cleveland, Ohio
Wooster, Ohio
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Portland, Oregon
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Columbia, South Carolina
Knoxville, Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee
San Antonio, Texas
Dallas, Texas
Houston, Texas
Richmond, Virginia
Seattle, Washington
Washington, DC
Morgantown, West Virginia
And More
Nationally, Planned Parenthood provides 2.7 million women and men with critical reproductive health care --- such as cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing and treatment and well-woman exams. More than half of Planned Parenthood health centers are in underserved patient communities such as rural or medically underserved areas, meaning that without us, many patients would literally have nowhere else to turn.
Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards speaks to hundreds of Planned Parenthood supporters in Denver
Hundreds of Planned Parenthood supporters gather in Denver to stand in solidarity
Hundreds of Planned Parenthood supporters and allies packed the All Souls Church Unitarian in DC to stand in solidarity
Planned Parenthood supporters and allies gathered in Chicago
Planned Parenthood in New York City preparing for the National Day of Solidarity
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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
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Published
December 05, 2015