Reproductive Rights Activists Protest the Vote to 'Defund' Planned Parenthood Nationwide
By Miriam Berg | May 9, 2017, 10:11 a.m.
Category: Attacks on Planned Parenthood, Voting
After the U.S. House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and block patients from care at Planned Parenthood on May 4, supporters flooded their representatives' districts offices with pink — Planned Parenthood pink!
When Paul Ryan and his out-of-touch allies in the House forced through the worst bill for women in a generation, they set off a spark of outrage among reproductive rights advocates. People who support the ACA and access to care at Planned Parenthood took to the streets.
Across the country, reproductive rights advocates powerfully rallied to demonstrate that they'll hold any member of Congress accountable for voting against health care access. Here are just a few highlights.
Capitol Hill
On the steps of the Capitol on May 4, several hundred people rallied against the House vote earlier that day.
California
Planned Parenthood Los Angeles and supporters rallied to fight back against the vote to repeal the ACA outside the office of Rep. Steve Knight (R) in Santa Clarita, CA.
Indiana
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Indiana and Kentucky led dozens of protesters to the district offices of Rep. Susan Brooks (R) in Carmel, IN, and Rep. Larry Bucshon (R) in Evansville, IN.
Kansas
Reproductive rights advocates with Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes rallied to tell Kansas Rep. Kevin Yoder (R) that his constituents support the ACA and Planned Parenthood.
Maine
Reproductive health supporters gathered at Congress Square Park in Portland, Maine, at the Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund rally to protect the ACA and Planned Parenthood.
Missouri
Over 200 people rallied today at the office of Sen. Roy Blunt (R) in St. Louis, MO. The rally was organized by Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, Jobs With Justice, Missouri Health Care for All, and the Missouri Medicaid Coalition.
New York
Supporters with Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes protested the ACA repeal bill outside the office of Rep. Tom Reed (R) in Corning, NY.
Missouri Planned Parenthood supporters also rallied at the office of Rep. Billy Long (R) in Springfield, MO.
Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley activists joined with Citizen Action of New York activists at the office of Rep. John Faso (R) in Kingston, NY. It was pouring rain, but it didn't keep Faso's outraged constituents home.
Pennsylvania
Reproductive rights advocates led a "Shame on Rothfus" rally in Johnstown, PA, outside the office of Rep. Keith Rothfus (R).
Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood joined Mondays with Murphy and 412 Resistance for a "Vigil for Our Healthcare" outside the Pittsburgh office of Rep. Tim Murphy (R).
Tags: Obamacare, ACA, Recess, President Trump