Planned Parenthood Action Fund Supports Rep. Kendrick Meek for U.S. Senate From Florida
For Immediate Release: May 11, 2012
Meek Is an Advocate for Women’s Health and Rights
The Planned Parenthood Action Fund announced its endorsement of Democratic candidate Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-FL) in Florida’s upcoming race for an open seat in the U.S. Senate. The Planned Parenthood Action Fund is the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
“As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Kendrick Meek is a lifelong advocate for women and women’s reproductive health care,” said Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. “As a U.S. senator, we’re confident he will continue to fight for women’s health and equality — a much-needed commitment at a time when women’s access to basic health care is constantly under threat.”
As U.S. representative for Florida’s 17th Congressional District since 2003, Meek has advocated for women’s reproductive rights, women’s health care services, and gender equality. Meek was a co-sponsor of the Prevention First Act, which aimed to decrease unintended pregnancies by expanding access to preventive health care services and health education. Rep. Meek also co-sponsored legislation supporting comprehensive services for rape victims at all hospitals receiving government funding and expanding health care services for female veterans.
Meek is already a strong voice in Congress advocating for women’s rights and women’s health. In the U.S. Senate, he will continue to work to improve access to quality health care for women, end discrimination and violence against women, support and protect a woman's right to choose, strengthen comprehensive sex education to keep our young people healthy and safe, and invest in prevention programs, including family planning services and lifesaving breast cancer screenings.
“The voters in Florida want to elect a champion of women’s health,” said Stephanie Kunkel, executive director of the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates. “Kendrick Meek is that candidate. He is the only candidate in the race with a long-standing history of expanding access to women’s health care and opposing attempts to restrict access at both the state and federal level. He is a proven advocate for women in Florida and across the nation and we are proud to endorse him in the race for US Senate.”
The election will be held on November 2.