Planned Parenthood Supporters Hit the Streets of D.C. to Protest Trumpcare

After weeks of secrecy, Sen. Mitch McConnell finally released the worst bill for women in a generation on June 23. The details of this legislation are terrifying. Trumpcare would “defund” Planned Parenthood, decimate Medicaid, and strip 15 million Americans of health care by next year, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

Just days later, thousands of Planned Parenthood supporters flooded Washington, D.C. to tell their senators to vote NO on this devastating bill. People—from New York to Alaska—took to the streets and rallied. Together, these demonstrators made it clear to lawmakers that the Affordable Care Act and access to care at Planned Parenthood are essential.  

The pressure is working: On June 27, unable to get enough Senators to vote “yes” on taking away health care from millions of people, McConnell announced he was postponing the Senate’s vote on Trumpcare.

Here are just some of the highlights from the powerful demonstrations that happened all week long in the nation’s capitol.

On June 27,  Planned Parenthood supporters from across the country participated in the “People’s Filibuster to Stop Trumpcare."

Support for Planned Parenthood filled the crowd.

Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) addressed the marchers.

Pink signs, pink shirts, as far as they eyes could see!

On June 28, 1,500 supporters participated in “Linking Together to Save Our Care.” At this rally, supporters completed one-lap march around the Capitol building to show lawmakers that the pressure is on.

Supporters wore pink and held signs.

Supporters marched around the Capitol building.

Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) gave a speech at the rally and wore a pink Planned Parenthood sticker.

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) decried Trumpcare.

Planned Parenthood patients shared their powerful stories.

Moira, a patient from Alaska, said “We cannot afford to lose Planned Parenthood. It would hurt small towns like mine across the nation.”

“It’s not okay to kill women because they are poor,” said  Danielle, a patient from Washington, D.C., who relies on Planned Parenthood.

Throughout the week, waves of pink-clad supporters canvassed Washington.

These supporters from Pennsylvania arrived by bus.

Supporters from New York.

Even our four-legged friends joined the fight!

These grassroots efforts show we're gaining momentum—but the fight still isn't over. We need to keep the pressure on our senators to protect Planned Parenthood. After the July 4 recess, McConnell will once again try to force Trumpcare through the Senate.