Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California Statement on Resounding Defeat of Republican-led Recall Attempt

September 14, 2021
Brandon Richards, Director of Communications
[email protected]

PPAC Proudly Opposed the Recall Attempt and Supported Reproductive Rights Champion Gavin Newsom in March

SACRAMENTO— Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) released the following statement from President/CEO Jodi Hicks regarding the resounding defeat of the Republican-led recall attempt of Governor Gavin Newsom, a staunch supporter of sexual and reproductive health care and Reproductive Freedom leader:

“Planned Parenthood is proud to have stood by Governor Gavin Newsom and worked to defeat this extreme and politically motivated recall attempt that would have taken California backwards if successful. This was nothing more than an attempt to grab power from a Governor who has a stellar track record on some of the most critical issues facing our state – and in the process waste millions of taxpayer dollars and avert much needed attention from the real work our state is doing.”

“With the Republican-led recall attempt easily behind us, we are ready to once again fully focus on building upon California’s leadership as a Reproductive Freedom state. As more states move to restrict and ban care, even enacting unconstitutional bans on abortion, we look forward to continuing to work with Governor Newsom, his administration, legislative leaders, allied organizations, and advocates to fight for health equity and reproductive freedom in every corner of California – for those living here and for those who may be forced to seek care from out-of-state.”

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund: “We are glad that California residents saw beyond the smokescreen and voted to thwart this politically-motivated recall attempt. With abortion rights at the center of this campaign, this election is also just the latest national proof point that supporting sexual and reproductive health care is a winning political issue. Since coming to office in 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom has been a committed champion of sexual and reproductive rights. His fervent work to protect access to health care for the over 39 million Californians have made the state an exemplary model for what is possible when leaders make key investments in the state’s public health infrastructure and reproductive freedom. Under Gov. Newsom, California’s success story provides a beacon of hope as we continue to work toward restoring, protecting, and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health care across the country. We look forward to his continued leadership.”

Over the course of the campaign, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) was heavily involved in the efforts to oppose the Republican-led recall attempt of Governor Gavin Newsom. In March 2021, PPAC issued a statement officially opposing the politically motivated attempt. As the polls showed a closer race, PPAC activated its supporters, allies, and networks to sound the alarm regarding what is at stake for sexual and reproductive health care – including abortion. Efforts included:

A press conference with NARAL Pro-Choice CA, Senator Sydney Kamlager and Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo.
A livestream conversation with Governor Gavin Newsom and Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Alexis McGill Johnson highlighting Governor Newsom’s leadership on reproductive rights and the dangers of a Republican Governor in California.
Activation of its 1+ Million email list to educate voters and advocate they vote NO on Question 1.
Digital ads with voting information, and mailers to 100,000+ key voters throughout the state.
A joint “Day of Action” with NARAL Pro-Choice CA and Black Women for Wellness Action Project centered around sexual and reproductive health care.
The seven affiliates across California also conducted additional phone banks, advocacy nights, and GOTV activities.

KEY ARTICLES

Associated Press: Newsom campaign theme: Don’t let California become Texas

POLITICO: Abortion becomes a ‘huge motivator’ in governor races

The Independent: Why Texas’s abortion law could be a deciding factor in California and Virginia elections – and even the midterms

Sacramento Bee: Recall candidate Larry Elder under fire for comments on women, allegations from former fiancée

Los Angeles Times: How the state of abortion could change in California with a new governor

FOX 40: Planned Parenthood CEO explains why pro-choice groups are against Newsom recall

FOX 40: Planned Parenthood, pro-choice advocates show support for Newsom in recall

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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.