Planned Parenthood Action Fund Kicks Off 2016 Election Program

Includes First-Ever Nationwide Grassroots Forums To Begin Organizing Around Key Issues

“The Fight for 2016 Starts Today”

Washington, DC – In the wake of unprecedented attacks against access to reproductive health care across the nation, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund today launched its 2016 election program, I Vote Planned Parenthood Action. Kicking off with a website, www.IVotePPAction.org, and a series of volunteer forums across the country, I Vote Planned Parenthood Action will tap into the millions across the country who have already rallied in support of Planned Parenthood and leverage that support into political power at the ballot box.

Statement from Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund:

“Today we have a clear message for every politician who has threatened access to reproductive health care, who has said having to drive hundreds of miles to safely access a legal abortion wasn’t a “burden,” and who has made offhand comments about eliminating basic health care for millions across the country: You’re about to be in for a very rude awakening.”

“You cannot embrace policies that dismiss the lives of women, of the LGBTQ community, of people of color, of low-income families, of young people, and expect to be elected by the American people. We’ve already seen millions across the country rise up against attacks on reproductive health care, and now, with the launch of I Vote Planned Parenthood Action, we’re getting organized. Make no mistake — the fight for 2016 starts today.”

Access to reproductive health care will be on the ballot this year, with all leading GOP presidential candidates opposing access to safe and legal abortion, insurance coverage for birth control, and access to health care at Planned Parenthood. In addition, Congress has taken 18 votes to restrict women’s access to health care this year alone, and a number of state politicians have pledged to try to block women, men and young people from accessing care at Planned Parenthood health centers.

The I Vote Planned Parenthood Action website will detail candidates’ records on access to health care for both the Presidential race and key 2016 Senate races, and will continue to expand as the Planned Parenthood Action Fund builds out its grassroots engagement. The program is also launching with grassroots forums taking place across the country, where key volunteers and supporters will come together to discuss a policy agenda and make plans for holding politicians accountable. While taking place nationwide, the forums will engage voters in key locations — including Nevada, Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio, Florida and Wisconsin — alongside communities of color and LGBTQ communities.

The launch also includes a video from Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Cecile Richards and an ad buy targeting both national outlets and key states, such as New Hampshire, Nevada, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

View the video from Cecile Richards HERE.

Access to reproductive health care has been a key deciding issue in previous elections, helping ensure Mitt Romney lost the 2012 presidential election by one of the largest gender gaps in history. As 13 national polls and previous election results show, the American public supports Planned Parenthood and access to reproductive care — including safe and legal abortion.

Video Script:

Cecile Richards:

Extremists made the 2016 election about attacking reproductive rights.

Enough is enough. With our supporters, we’re launching “I Vote Planned Parenthood Action.” We’ll organize and mobilize to elect lawmakers who are in our corner.

And politicians who side with these extremists, you are NOT my candidate.

We're paying attention and we VOTE.