Planned Parenthood Action Fund Endorses Hillary Clinton
For Immediate Release: Jan. 15, 2016
Hundreds of Activists Gather to Cheer on Historic Announcement Recognizing Clinton as Unparalleled Champion for Women
Hooksett, NH --- Today, a crowd of 500 packed the Southern New Hampshire University banquet hall to join Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Cecile Richards as the organization officially endorsed Hillary Clinton for President of the United States. This marks the first time in the organization’s history they have endorsed a candidate in a presidential primary.
Richards was joined onstage by a number of Planned Parenthood Action Fund members for the endorsement: Planned Parenthood Action Fund Deputy Director of National Organizing Kelley Robinson; Planned Parenthood of Northern New England Medical Director Donna Burkett; Planned Parenthood patient Natarsha McQueen; youth volunteer Hana Gutierrez; and patient advocate Crystal Paradis.
Quote from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund
“The Planned Parenthood Action Fund is proud to endorse Hillary Clinton for president of the United States. The Republicans running for president have painted a picture of their vision for women – and it looks a lot like the 1950’s – or even the 1890s. Hillary Clinton understands the lives of women – and she’s been fighting for women and families her entire life – not just with her words, but with action.”
Quote from Hillary Clinton
“I am honored to accept the endorsement of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. I have stood with you throughout my career, and I promise you this: As president, I will always have your back.
“I’ve been fighting for women and families my entire life. I’ll go anywhere, meet with anyone, and work my heart out to find common ground. But I’ll also stand my ground. I’m not going to let anyone rip away the progress we’ve made.”
The 2016 Presidential Race has already seen women’s health and Planned Parenthood become touchstone issues — with every single GOP candidate pushing dangerous policies that would ban safe and legal abortion — in some cases with zero exceptions, roll back insurance coverage of birth control, and block access to care at Planned Parenthood — which would disproportionately impact low-income women and women of color.
This endorsement was informed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund members. Grassroots forums were held across the country where members, volunteers and supporters came together to discuss which issues impacted them most in their everyday lives. The forums saw a young, energized, diverse base of Planned Parenthood Action Fund members and supporters -- many of whom also identify as Planned Parenthood patients and supporters -- ready to fight back against attacks on women’s health.
Quote from Planned Parenthood Action Fund Member, Natarsha McQueen
“Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s endorsement of Hillary Clinton was not made in some political stuffy office in a corner of Washington, DC. No! This endorsement was informed by millions of energized and diverse supporters, patients, and youth activists around the country — including myself — who have been coming together over the last few months to discuss what we want in a president.
“Along with other Planned Parenthood Action Fund members, I personally met with all three Democratic presidential candidates. And you know what we all decided? That Hillary Clinton is our champion. We know she will go to bat for young women and men — those who are low‐income — the LGBTQ community — and communities of color. We know that Hillary Clinton stands with those hit hardest by attacks on reproductive health care.”
National and local Planned Parenthood advocacy and political organizations represent millions of people across the country --- particularly young women and men, low-income women, the LGBT community, and communities of color, who are hit the hardest by recent attacks on reproductive health care.
Millions of Americans rely on Planned Parenthood for essential reproductive health care, millions of women access birth control through their health insurance, and close to a third of women will have an abortion in her lifetime. Every single Republican candidate has pledged to restrict access to all three.
BACKGROUND: Planned Parenthood Action Fund Endorsements
Today’s event marked the first time Planned Parenthood Action Fund has ever endorsed in a presidential primary, and only the fourth time the organization has ever endorsed in a presidential race.
The Planned Parenthood Action Fund first adopted its endorsement process in March of 2002, and made its first Presidential endorsement in support of John Kerry in 2004. The Action Fund also endorsed President Barack Obama in the 2008 and 2012 general elections. Planned Parenthood Action Fund does outreach to all presidential candidates from both parties in the endorsement process.