Proof That Speaking Out to Say #IStandWithPP Makes a Difference
By Miriam Berg | March 24, 2017, 6:59 a.m.
Category: Attacks on Planned Parenthood
If you’ve ever wondered whether speaking out made a difference, today is your answer.
Today, Paul Ryan announced that he will no longer be calling for a vote on the bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The incredible support of the Planned Parenthood community just made all the difference in stopping this dangerous bill right now.
What Happened
Paul Ryan and Donald Trump tried forcing through the worst legislation for women in a generation. They were hell-bent on stripping health care from 24 million people; cutting essentials like maternity care and family planning; blocking women from getting care at Planned Parenthood health centers.
But women and men across the country sent a clear message to them: No. The strength of reproductive rights advocates proved far greater than theirs.
Your Support Worked
The unprecedented grassroots energy from the Planned Parenthood community and the larger reproductive rights movement helped stop the ACA repeal bill from even leaving the House.
If you’ve ever wondered whether speaking out made a difference, today is your answer: 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.
Because people organized and spoke out, another 8,118 people will be able to get care at Planned Parenthood health centers across the country tomorrow. We at the Planned Parenthood Action Fund will never stop fighting for the 2.5 million people who count on Planned Parenthood each year.
#IStandWithPP in Sterling, Virginia
Moments before Rep. Barbara Comstock announced that she would vote against the ACA repeal bill, 75 Planned Parenthood patient advocates and supporters stormed her district office to tell the congresswoman loud and clear that they will not let House Republicans take away life saving services like family planning, well woman exams, and cancer screenings without a fight.
Patients spoke out, telling their stories to Rep. Comstock’s staff. Jonas, a trans man, shared the story of his struggle to find consistent, affordable healthcare before accessing care at Planned Parenthood under the Affordable Care Act. “To be honest, I don't think it would be a stretch to say that the care and support I receive from Planned Parenthood has saved my life,” said Jonas.
#IStandWithPP in Eden Prairie, Minnesota
On March 24, supporters in Minnesota delivered 5,626 swabs — used for cancer screening and STD testing — to Rep. Erik Paulsen’s office. Each swab represented a Planned Parenthood patient in Rep. Paulsen’s district who relies on Medicaid to receive preventive care.
Rep. Paulsen’s staff listened as reproductive health advocates shared their stories of receiving high-quality, compassionate care at Planned Parenthood health centers. They also shared why the representative should vote against the ACA repeal bill, and why he should stand with Planned Parenthood patients and constituents.
#IStandWithPP in West Palm Beach, Florida
The Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, along with the SEIU, Women’s March, and other partners, rallied against the ACA repeal bill on March 22. During the rally and press conference, speakers called on Congress to vote against the ACA repeal bill. They stressed that “defunding” Planned Parenthood would be devastating to Florida, stripping away essential health care that tens of thousands of patients rely on, and blocking millions across the country from accessing reproductive health care.
#IStandWithPP in Kinderhook, New York
In an event on March 20, Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley staff and supporters went to the district office of Rep. John Faso to tell him why his constituents stand with Planned Parenthood.
Take Action
We stopped this attack on Planned Parenthood health centers and patients, and we should celebrate this critical victory. But the truth is, even though we've won this battle, the war to protect access to care is far from over.
Our voices together are loud enough to drown out the anti-woman politicians — and we’ll need you with us for whatever comes next. We've seen politicians back down as supporters like you have written, called, and shown up at town halls and marches across the country. We can channel that energy and passion again, as long as you keep standing with us.
Tags: Obamacare, Planned Parenthood, Donald Trump, Medicaid, ACA
