Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund celebrates election of women’s health champions
Contact: Johanna Kaiser, 617-515-0531
For Immediate Release: Nov. 8, 2017 (Updated: Nov. 8, 2017, 10:02 p.m.)
The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts (PPAF) celebrated the victory of its endorsed candidates in municipal elections across the state Tuesday. PPAF endorsed candidates in Boston, Springfield and Worcester municipal elections who are committed to championing local efforts to improve access to health care and comprehensive sex education, protect reproductive rights, and support every person's ability to take care of themselves and their families.
At a time when national politics are ruthlessly targeting our communities and attacking their health care access, we need local leaders who will stand up for the rights of all and work tirelessly to dismantle systemic barriers to care. Each of the candidates elected tonight will empower women and families to lead healthy, fulfilling lives and help build stronger, thriving neighborhoods across the city. The Advocacy Fund looks forward to working with these elected leaders to create a safe and welcoming city that is invested in the wellbeing of everyone.
- Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak, President of PPAF
In Boston, PPAF endorsed Mayor Martin J. Walsh in its first ever mayoral endorsement. PPAF also endorsed newcomers Lydia Edwards (District 1), and Kim Janey (District 7) as well as City Councilors At-Large Michael Flaherty, Annissa Essaibi George, Ayanna Pressley and Michelle Wu, and City Councilors Andrea Campbell (District 4), Matt O’Malley (District 6), Josh Zakim (District 8), and Mark Ciommo (District 9) for re-election.
In Springfield, PPAF endorsed Councilor Justin Hurst and Jesse Lederman for City Council At-Large positions. PPAF endorsed Councilors Mike Fenton (Ward 2) and Marcus Williams (Ward 5) for re-election to City Council. Denise Hurst also received PPAF endorsements for School Committee.
In Worcester, PPAF endorsed Mayor Joe Petty, Councilors At-Large Moe Bergman and Khrystian King for City Council At-Large. PPAF also endorsed Councilors Candy Carlson (District 2) and George Russell (District 3) for re-election, and Sean Rose to represent District 1. Dante Comparetto also received PPAF’s endorsement for School Committee.
Planned Parenthood health centers care for and educate women, men, and young people in Boston, Worcester, and Springfield. As Planned Parenthood's advocacy arm, PPAF understands the needs of these communities and knows firsthand elected leaders play a profound role in improving the lives and communities of Planned Parenthood patients. An overwhelming number of voters consider candidates' position on Planned Parenthood and its work before casting their ballot with 78 percent of Massachusetts voters reporting they favor candidates who support Planned Parenthood, including 23 percent who say a candidate "must support Planned Parenthood" to earn their vote.
To earn the PPAF endorsement, candidates must demonstrate a commitment to improving access to health care and comprehensive sex education, and protecting reproductive rights as port of holistic local policies that address the interrelated issues of health disparities, student achievement, economic security and public safety.