Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund backs slate of candidates challenging ROE Act opponents
For Immediate Release: Aug. 12, 2020
BOSTON--The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts (PPAF) has endorsed a slate of bold reproductive rights advocates challenging incumbent politicians who oppose equitable abortion access. In addition, PPAF has endorsed candidates seeking to fill open seats.
Each candidate is defined by their fierce and vocal support for reproductive and sexual rights. Together, these candidates will push forward critical public health priorities, such as the ROE Act, on Beacon Hill and join a growing majority of elected leaders who understand abortion is health care.
The list of candidates includes:
- Deb Busser, House of Representatives 1st Middlesex District
- John Cronin, State Senate Worcester & Middlesex District
- Christina Eckert, House of Representatives 2nd Essex District
- Denise Hurst, House of Representatives 9th Hampden District
- Michael Kushmerek, House of Representatives 3rd Worcester District
- Steve Owens, House of Representatives 29th Middlesex District
- Jarred Rose, State Senate Norfolk Bristol & Plymouth District
- Erika Uyterhoeven, House of Representatives 27th Middlesex District
- Meg Wheeler, State Senate Plymouth and Norfolk District
We cannot settle for half-hearted support of our rights, our health and our personal autonomy. The people of Massachusetts know firsthand the right to abortion is not enough; all people must be able to access care, otherwise, that right is meaningless. Abortion is health care and access to health care has long been a top priority in Massachusetts. Our lawmakers in the State House must share these values and they must act on them. Over the past four years, the Trump administration has relentlessly attacked our communities and pushed care out of reach, making it more important than ever for Beacon Hill to step up to protect reproductive rights. Each of these candidates is fighting to not only protect, but also improve and ensure abortion access. We are proud to stand with them.
Dr. Jen Childs-Roshak, PPAF President
To earn PPAF’s endorsement, candidates for state Senate and state Representative must support eliminating medically unnecessary barriers to safe, legal abortion that disproportionately block people of color and people with low incomes from receiving care. They must also prioritize implementing comprehensive sex education, adequately funding family planning programs, and protecting Massachusetts residents from political attacks on health care.
PPAF is deeply investing in several races in the 2020 election. Despite the physical restrictions imposed by COVID-19, PPAF’s field team is mobilizing grassroots supporters through phone banks and virtual events. Leading up to Election Day, PPAF volunteers will educate voters about candidates’ positions and how to vote safely.
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The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts (PPAF) is the advocacy and political arm of the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM). Formed in 1984, PPAF believes that working within the political process is critical to advancing PPLM’s mission to increase access to sexual and reproductive health services and comprehensive sexuality education for women, men, and families across Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.pplmvotes.org.