The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund Celebrates the Victory of Tram Nguyen

BOSTON—The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts (PPAF) celebrates Tram Nguyen’s election to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in the 18^th Essex District. Tram Nguyen is a driven and steadfast advocate for reproductive rights and access to sexual and reproductive health care. Her victory demonstrates Massachusetts voters’ opposition to D.C. politicians’ attempts to dismantle affordable health care. Voters are counting on local leaders like Nguyen to champion their health and rights in the face of these federal attacks.

“For two years, the Trump administration has launched one attack after another on our health and rights. The people of the 18^th Essex District sent a clear message tonight – they want leaders like Tram Nguyen who will defend their rights and protect their health care,” said Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak, PPAF President. “We were proud to support Tram in her campaign and we look forward to partnering with her to pass bold, new policies that break down entrenched barriers to health care, improve access to sex education, and build a healthier and more equitable Massachusetts.”

Nguyen defeated incumbent Rep. Jim Lyons, who has stood in opposition to women’s health care and reproductive rights for years. Lyons notably led the failed campaign to amend the state constitution to block women with low incomes from accessing safe, legal abortion. That failed crusade was one of his many attempts to undermine access to sexual and reproductive health care in Massachusetts.

Lyons is the most active opponent of Planned Parenthood patients and reproductive and sexual health care in the Massachusetts Legislature. Because of his record, as well as Tram’s exceptional background in dismantling barriers to health care and social services, the 18th Essex district was PPAF’s top priority in the 2018 cycle. Leading up to Election Day, PPAF’s field program mobilized grassroots volunteers to knock doors and call voters in order to educate them about Nguyen’s support for smart policies that improve the health and wellbeing of the communities in her district and her opponents’ extreme views.