Clinton Takes On Racial, Gender Inequality in Tonight's Democratic Debate

For Immediate Release: Jan. 19, 2016

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Washington, DC –--  In tonight’s debate, hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus Institute (CBCI),  Hillary Clinton again proved she is the strongest candidate to attack central issues facing the country, including racial injustice, gender inequality, and access to health care.  

Last week, Planned Parenthood Action Fund endorsed Hillary Clinton in its first ever presidential primary endorsement. And tonight, Clinton continued to elevate her record on standing with women and families.

Quote from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund

“Hillary Clinton’s record speaks for itself: Her history of strengthening health care, championing reproductive rights, and standing up for women, children and families is unparalleled. Tonight, we heard her reiterate her commitment to protect and improve the Affordable Care Act,  promote policies that provide equal pay for equal work and implement paid family leave.

“Hillary Clinton is also a champion for ending systems of inequality, a fact made clear when tonight she became the first candidate in this race to call for ending systemic racial injustice. We have seen her work to end discrimination in our health care system and it’s clear she will work to end discrimination in every facet of our society.  Planned Parenthood is proud to endorse her historic candidacy.”

About Hillary Clinton:

Secretary Clinton has helped move the country forward on these issues — as First Lady, as Senator, as Secretary of State — and she will keep moving us forward as President.

• Hillary Clinton has taken every opportunity to speak out in support of Planned Parenthood, including dozens of shout-outs on the campaign trail. She's been in Planned Parenthood’s corner more than any other presidential candidate.

• As Senator, Hillary Clinton introduced 8 pieces of legislation with the clear purpose of expanding and protecting women’s access to reproductive health care — more than any other presidential candidate.

• Hillary Clinton chaired the 1993 task force that created the first plan for health care reform and testified on it before Congress — an unprecedented move by a presidential spouse.

• Hillary Clinton helped launch the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. Teen birth rates are now at a 40-year low.

• Hillary Clinton introduced the Paycheck Fairness Act ​in 2005, 2007 and 2009. No other presidential candidate has introduced equal pay legislation.

• Hillary Clinton waged a multi-year effort​ with Sen. Patty Murray — and even blocked the nomination of an FDA head — to pass the law that made emergency contraception available over-the-counter.

• Hillary Clinton would build on the Affordable Care Act, which has helped nearly 8.2 million adult women gain health coverage. This has been especially important for women of color, who accounted for 53.2 percent of uninsured women before the law went into effect.