The Confirmation of Deeply Unpopular Judge Brett Kavanaugh Ramps Up Efforts in State and Local Elections

Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest Urges Voters to Make Their Voices Heard

ANCHORAGE – This weekend, the U.S. Senate confirmed Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. By doing so, senators ignored the outpouring of opposition to Kavanaugh’s nomination, evidence that he would gut Roe v. Wade if confirmed, allegations of sexual assault, questions about the honesty of his answers to questions under oath, and serious concerns about his ability to be impartial and unbiased on the highest court of the land.

With midterm elections less than a month away, the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh is galvanizing voters across Alaska and the nation. In a recent report, more than 25 million women of reproductive age who live in 20 states that are poised to ban abortion will be impacted by the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh. That is more than a third of women of reproductive age in this country. This includes more than 4.3 million Hispanic or Latina women, nearly 3.5 million Black or African American women, more than 800,000 Asian women, and nearly 300,000 American Indian or Alaska Native women of reproductive age (see U.S. Census).

“From Judge Kavanaugh, to continuing to chip away at health care access, to the domestic gag rule, the time is now to elect state and local leaders who will protect our health and rights,” said Jessica Cler, Alaska State Director, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii (PPVNH). “Our local governor’s race is more critical than ever. We need a leader who will stand up to this administration, and will lead on important issues for women and families. Our elected leaders who say one thing and do another, and continue to undermine our freedom and rights are on notice.”

 This is why PPVNH has endorsed Mark Begich for Governor for Alaska. Begich respects women to make their own health care decisions and will advance policies to move Alaska women and families forward. There are concrete examples of his leadership, as Begich has supported legislation protecting abortion, stood up to employers who involve themselves in private reproductive health decisions, and voted to protect Planned Parenthood.

PPVNH is mobilizing voters across the state, knocking on thousands of doors, making thousands of calls, and engaging hundreds of volunteers this election cycle to support Mark Begich and candidates for the State House and Senate who will lead on issues important to women and families.