Planned Parenthood Action Fund Endorses Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, for U.S. Senate from North Carolina
For Immediate Release: May 11, 2012
Candidate is Female Trailblazer and Women’s Health Champion
The Planned Parenthood Action Fund announced its endorsement of Democratic candidate Elaine Marshall, North Carolina’s current secretary of state, in the state’s upcoming race for the U.S. Senate. The Planned Parenthood Action Fund is the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
“Elaine Marshall was the first woman elected to statewide office in North Carolina, and she has been a passionate advocate for women and women’s reproductive health care and rights throughout her long career in public service,” said Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. “At a time when women’s access to basic health care is continuously under attack, we need strong leadership in the U.S. Senate and we’re confident Marshall will provide that.”
Marshall, who is currently serving her fourth term as secretary of state, is a longtime champion of women’s rights. As a state senator, Marshall advocated for reforming the health care system and expanding access to health care for women, including creating a fund to cover abortion costs for low-income women. During her distinguished legal career, Marshall fought to ensure that insurance companies include mammograms and Pap tests in their health coverage.
Marshall is a strong and well-respected advocate for women’s issues. In the U.S. Senate, she will work to end gender discrimination and violence against women, provide comprehensive sex education in schools, protect women’s reproductive rights, and invest in preventive health care services for women and families.
“Voters in North Carolina want to elect someone who will stand up for women’s health by supporting sound policies that ensure access to basic health care,” said Melissa Reed, vice president of public policy with Planned Parenthood Health Systems Action Fund, Inc. “Elaine Marshall is that candidate. She has been a strong and inspiring voice for women since her first day in office. Once elected to national office, she will continue to stand up for women and families and put commonsense health care needs ahead of ideology and politics.”
The election will be held on November 2.