Planned Parenthood Raises More Than $400,000 to Elect Women’s Health Champions, Support Statewide Advocacy Efforts

BOSTON— On February 25, more than 300 supporters of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund (PPAF) gathered at the Four Seasons for the annual Celebration of Choices gala. Featuring keynote remarks from Texas Senator Wendy Davis, the event raised over $400,000 for PPAF’s legislative, grassroots organizing and electoral advocacy work.  The event also recognized Boston City Councilor At-Large, Ayanna Pressley, and her work on behalf of women and girls. 

The event was Co-Chaired by Patti and Jonathan Kraft of Chestnut Hill and Andrea and Brian Edlow of Newton. 

Quote from Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak, President of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts: 

Tonight’s success is testimony to the strong support that the Advocacy Fund enjoys in Massachusetts and the widely supported goal to make Massachusetts a national leader in sexual and reproductive health. Given that Planned Parenthood health centers and their patients have been shoved into the electoral spotlight, it is impossible for us to stay on the sidelines.  My twenty years of experience as a family physician allowed me to see firsthand what happens when people don’t have access to the care they need:  bad health outcomes and exacerbated health care disparities.  That’s why we are pushing back against efforts to restrict health care access and championing an agenda aimed at advancing reproductive rights, expanding access to sexual and reproductive health care and making comprehensive sexuality education the norm.

Quote from Senator Wendy Davis: 

We are in the midst of a crucial battle for reproductive freedoms in this country – from the presidential election, to state and national efforts to defund Planned Parenthood, to the upcoming Supreme Court hearing on abortion rights – the outcome of each of these will play a pivotal role in whether women will continue to have access to essential reproductive healthcare.  Now, more than ever, our shared efforts to assure the protection of that care is essential.

Quote from Ayanna Pressley, Boston City Councilor At-Large:

It is maddening to know that in 2016 a women’s right to basic health care, to control her own destiny is under constant attack at every level. Even here in Massachusetts, we cannot take anything for granted. So I am grateful for the work of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts in cultivating and supporting local leaders like me.

The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund advocates for policies that will protect and expand health care access, educates voters about candidates’ positions on sexual and reproductive health, and supports and endorses candidates whose record and goals are consistent with its mission.