PPAF Proudly Presents Rep. Escobar with Invencibles Champion for Reproductive Health Award

WASHINGTON — Today, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund is proud to present Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16) with the 2020 Invencibles Champion for Reproductive Health Award.

This award comes during Latinx Heritage Month and in recognition of the congresswoman’s support and efforts in advocating for sexual freedom, reproductive health care, and the civil rights of Latinx communities. From leading letters to reject attacks on sexual and reproductive health care — including abortion — during the COVID-19 pandemic, to speaking out in support of Title X funding, Rep. Escobar has been a tireless champion for reproductive health care access, rights, and justice in Congress. She has demonstrated longstanding, unwavering commitment to these critical issues, even during the pandemic.

Statement from Bridgette Gomez, national director of strategic partnerships, Planned Parenthood Action Fund:

“Congresswoman Escobar is a true champion for reproductive health care. She has been unwavering in her commitment to ensuring that all members of the Latinx community — regardless of income, immigration status, zip code, or nationality — have control over their own bodies and lives. Her leadership has moved us closer to equity and equality for Latinx people. We are proud to present Rep. Escobar with this award in recognition of all she has done to support key reproductive rights legislation during her time in Congress, and are excited to continue our work alongside her to protect and advance access to sexual and reproductive health care for Latinx communities and all people.”

Joint Statement from Dyana Limon-Mercado, executive director, Planned Parenthood Texas Votes and Saul Gonzalez, volunteer, Planned Parenthood Texas Votes

“Congresswoman Escobar has been the kind of proud, compassionate, and fearless leader the people of Texas and the Latinx community can count on. She actively supports Planned Parenthood’s El Paso health center that opened two years ago and her tireless advocacy for sexual and reproductive health care and rights never wavers. Congresswoman Escobar will always fight for the Latinx community and to ensure all people can get the care they need — there is no one more dedicated to this work and no one more deserving of this special recognition.”

Statement from Congresswoman Veronica Escobar:

“As we celebrate Latinx Heritage Month, we must acknowledge that the coronavirus pandemic has worsened existing gender inequities in our country and made it harder for women — especially Latinas and other women of color — to access reproductive health care. The Invencible Award will hold a place of pride in my heart and will serve as a constant reminder for why I always stand with Planned Parenthood in the fight to protect and expand access to reproductive health, rights, and justice for all — no matter income, sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigration status.”

This is the second year of the Invencibles Awards, which honor powerful Latinx leaders for their contributions to reproductive health, rights, and justice. Named after Planned Parenthood’s first-ever Spanish-language social media campaign to empower Latinas across the U.S., Invencibles, the awards honor Congressional Hispanic Caucus members, national partners, and community leaders.

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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 electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education.