Statement from Planned Parenthood Action Fund 

Washington, DC — Planned Parenthood Action Fund issued the below statement following Vice President Joe Biden’s appearance on Morning Joe, and statement on Medium, addressing accusations against him by Tara Reade. 

Last night Planned Parenthood Action Fund issued a statement, and Acting President Alexis McGill Johnson posted on social media, calling on the vice president to address this issue directly, 

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, Acting President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund: 

“We are glad to see Vice President Biden take a needed first step in addressing this issue head on. We now look to Biden to continue to push this conversation, and our country, forward. 

“We cannot let this conversation devolve into the kind of shame and ridicule that too many survivors face. That ridicule is what keeps millions silent after they experience sexual violence or assault. That shame is what allows violence to continue. 

“Vice President Biden has a strong policy record on this issue. He has championed survivors, and began the It’s On Us campaign, which took the needed stance that any real solution to sexual violence relies on men stepping up and taking personal responsibility — and should not rest on the backs of women to fix. 

“Now is the time for Vice President Biden to demonstrate the right leadership to drive this conversation toward policy solutions. It is our job in this election to be a voice for our members, supporters, and the millions of patients who depend on Planned Parenthood health centers each year. And we fully understand the stakes of this moment, as our current President has spent his time in office attacking our health and our rights, undercutting sexual and reproductive health care, and trying to eliminate protections for sexual assault survivors. We need, and expect, someone who wants to hold the highest office in the land to push our country to have a real reckoning on sexual violence and assault — one that both includes personal responsibility, and gives survivors the hope of real solutions so that they never have to experience this trauma again.” 

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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.