MORE THAN $800,000 CONTRIBUTED "IN HONOR OF SARAH PALIN"

More than $800,000 Contributed to Planned Parenthood “In Honor of Sarah Palin”

In an effort to answer public and press inquiries regarding a recent viral email seeking donations to Planned Parenthood in honor of Sarah Palin, Planned Parenthood Action Fund released the following statement:

Washington, DC — Call it the ultimate in grassroots activity, a viral email urging people to donate to Planned Parenthood “in honor of Sarah Palin” generated more than 31,313 donations totaling more than three-quarters of a million dollars ($802,678) as of today. With contributions from all 50 states, more than two-thirds of the individuals making a contribution “in honor of Sarah Palin” are first-time Planned Parenthood donors.

“The response to this viral e-mail has been phenomenal, said Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. “I want to personally thank the tens of thousands of individuals who responded. As a trusted health care advocate for millions of women across America, Planned Parenthood knows firsthand the importance of promoting and protecting women’s health and well-being.”

The viral e-mail did not originate with Planned Parenthood, and the origins of the email remain unknown. The e-mail asks individuals who are unhappy with Gov. Palin’s selection as a vice-presidential candidate to donate to Planned Parenthood. The Planned Parenthood website includes a standard webpage where individuals can make a contribution in honor of a person of their choosing.