Joint Release: Reproductive Freedom Advocates Sound Alarm on Extremist Recall Attempt
August 2, 2021
Brandon Richards, Director of Communications
[email protected]
Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice California, Sen. Sydney Kamlager, Asm. Wendy Carrillo, & Patient/Advocate Crystal Harding Call for Voters to Oppose Recall Attempt
SACRAMENTO — State Senator Sydney Kamlager, Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC), NARAL Pro-Choice California, and Patient/Advocate Crystal Harding came together today to sound the alarm on the importance of voters opposing the recall and supporting Governor Gavin Newsom. The elected officials and organizations laid out the dire consequences to sexual and reproductive health care and access if the recall succeeds and a Republican Governor were to be elected.
“California is light years ahead, we are trailblazers when it comes to reproductive health care and patient rights,” said Crystal Harding, patient and advocate. “We cannot go backwards, and with Newsom as a Champion for reproductive rights, we will continue to progress further offering equitable health for all!”
“I stand boldly with Planned Parenthood — they are fighting for us, they advocate and invest in our lives everyday, they are absolutely essential,” Harding continued. “And without leaders that support Planned Parenthood and reproductive freedom, I wouldn’t have had the access to care that I did. I appeal to you — my family, friends, neighbors and fellow Californians, having an innovative, progressive leader like Newsom, will keep us and our state moving forward! Your vote equals your voice and values.”
2021 has been a historically bad year for reproductive rights, as states across the country take harmful and dangerous action to restrict access to abortion, sexual and reproductive health care, and more. Just last month, the Republican Attorney General from Mississippi asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade (backed by 228 Congressional Republicans, Republican Senators, and Republican Governors).
Thankfully, California — under the leadership of Governor Newsom and the state legislature—has a long track record of protecting reproductive freedom. However, that progress is now at risk with this recall in September.
Under an anti-choice Republican Governor, the state could see shifts in coverage for abortion in Medi-Cal, access to birth control, key funding for crucial public health programs, and services that largely serve communities of color and those working to make ends meet.
“In my time in the Legislature and as a Planned Parenthood Los Angeles Board member, I've seen Governor Newsom stand up against heinous federal attacks against abortion while continually investing in health equity and access,” said State Senator Sydney Kamlager. “He's the leader we needed under the last federal administration, and he's the leader we need now."
“If you support our Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom — like Planned Parenthood and NARAL do — vote ‘no’ when your ballot arrives in the mail,” said Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo. “If you want to protect affordable and accessible reproductive health care, you need to vote no. Every vote matters this September. Our rights, our freedoms, our California way of life is on the ballot. A Republican Governor could bring unimaginable harm to communities across our state. It is up to us to stop this dangerous power grab that could put California down an irreversible course.”
The importance of the governorship to California’s continued leadership on reproductive rights, access to abortion, sexual and reproductive health care, and more is why Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and NARAL Pro-Choice California are working to educate voters about the future of access and care for millions of Californians as it relates to this partisan, extremist-led recall attempt. With the Supreme Court taking up the Mississippi abortion restriction in its next term (Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization), Roe v. Wade is at risk of being overturned, and with it access to abortion restricted across the country.
“When Governor Newsom declared California a reproductive freedom state, he set the stage for numerous efforts and actions that have made our home a more equitable and free place to decide when and how to start, grow, and raise a family,” said Shannon Olivieri Hovis, Director of NARAL Pro-Choice California. “This recall effort is nothing more than a hate-filled, Republican-fueled campaign to unseat a true champion for Californians and reproductive freedom. Given the Supreme Court challenge to Roe v. Wade, Gov. Newsom’s leadership is critical now more than ever. NARAL Pro-Choice California and our nearly 300,000 members will continue to support Gov. Newsom and work to ensure California continues to have an established leader for reproductive freedom in the governor’s office.”
“There is no question that if a Republican is elected, access to abortion will be restricted,” said Jodi Hicks, President/CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. “Access to abortion and health equity are on the ballot this recall which is why Planned Parenthood in California stands strongly in opposition to the recall and stands alongside Governor Newsom in the effort to defeat the politically charged and dangerous recall — so we can focus on the real work ahead. We are imploring those who support reproductive freedom, health equity and more to support Governor Newsom and oppose this partisan and extremist-led recall attempt in September.”
Support for Roe v. Wade has continued throughout the years, with the most recent data showing 80% of Americans support safe, legal abortion. Recent attacks by politicians, whether that be on access to abortion, or reproductive and sexual health care more broadly, have been sharply criticized and have seen support for their actions drop considerably.
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For over 50 years, NARAL Pro-Choice America and its network of state affiliates and chapters have fought to protect and advance reproductive freedom—including access to abortion, contraception, and paid family leave—for every body. NARAL is powered by its more than 2.5 million members from every state and congressional district in the country, representing the 7 in 10 Americans who believe every person should have the freedom to make the best decision for themselves about if, when, and how to raise a family.
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) is the state public policy office representing California’s seven separately incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates. Through advocacy and electoral action, PPAC promotes sound public policy in areas of sexual and reproductive health care and sex education.