Planned Parenthood Action Fund Statement on President Biden’s Announcement

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the announcement by President Biden that he will be stepping down from the ticket, and that he will support Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States in the upcoming election, Planned Parenthood Action Fund president and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson issued the following statement:

“While we are saddened by this news, it’s a decision that reaffirms who President Biden is — a public servant who puts duty to the country and the future of our democracy before himself. I am forever grateful to President Biden for his decades of service to this country — as a Senator, as Vice President, and as President. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, he has directed his administration to fight back against the attacks and put policies in place that helped — and continue to help — people find and access essential sexual and reproductive health care.

“President Biden and Vice President Harris’ record when it comes to protecting our reproductive freedoms and abortion access is unquestionable – these last two years, they have been the strongest, steadiest voice in the post-Dobbs storm. As we have navigated this public health crisis, Vice President Harris has kept the needs and experiences of patients and providers front and center. She’s the first Vice President to visit a Planned Parenthood health center — and we know that she will continue to fight like hell to rebuild a fundamental right that was stripped away.

“This election is critical. It will come down to deciding the future we want for ourselves and future generations. In no uncertain terms, we must defeat Donald Trump. We must ensure America can live up to what President Biden, Vice President Harris, and so many others believe it is: a country of possibility. We are no stranger to historic moments of opportunity to chart new paths — and I am confident that the people will rally behind a ticket committed to a path forward where reproductive freedom — and abortion — is an undeniable right.”

View the Biden-Harris administration record on protecting reproductive freedom here. 

Planned Parenthood Action Fund conducts a rigorous endorsement process for presidential candidates that involves a vote of the Action Fund Board of Directors which is ratified by local Planned Parenthood advocacy and political organizations. Candidates seeking endorsement are assessed based on their commitment to and strong record on sexual and reproductive health. The Action Fund looks forward to announcing its endorsement upon the conclusion of that process. 

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Planned Parenthood Action Fund is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The Action Fund engages in educational, advocacy, and limited electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education.