Planned Parenthood Action Fund Endorses Emergency Room Nurse Betsy Dennigan in Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District
For Immediate Release: May 11, 2012
The Planned Parenthood Action Fund announced its endorsement of Betsy Dennigan, an emergency room nurse in Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District race. The Planned Parenthood Action Fund is the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
“As an ER nurse, Betsy Dennigan knows firsthand the critical need for affordable, accessible health care,” said Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. “Her experience as an emergency room nurse and in the Rhode Island State House has made her a passionate advocate for women’s health and rights, and we’re confident she will continue to promote and protect women’s health.”
In addition to her emergency room credentials, Dennigan is an attorney with a background in health law. She has served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives for 13 years, with a long and consistent record of fighting for reproductive rights. She has fought to protect women’s access to health care, including abortion. She was also the prime sponsor of legislation promoting comprehensive sex education as a way to keep teens healthy and safe.
“The voters in Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District want to send someone to Congress whom they know they can count on to be a champion of women’s health,” said Judy Tabar, president/CEO of the Planned Parenthood of Southern New England Action Fund. “They don’t need to look any further than Betsy Dennigan. Throughout her years as a representative and as an emergency room nurse, she has stood up for policies that put women’s health care needs ahead of narrow, ideological interests.”
As a U.S. representative, Dennigan will fight for a woman’s right to choose, LGBT rights and marriage equality, a health care system with a public option so that more women can access quality care, and comprehensive sex education that keeps young people healthy and aware.
The primary election will be held on September 14.