Planned Parenthood Applauds President’s Focus on Helping Women and Families Get Ahead; Underscores that Women’s Access to Health Care Must Be Part of Economic Agenda

For Immediate Release: Jan. 21, 2015

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WASHINGTON, DC -- Planned Parenthood Federation of America welcomed President Obama’s focus on helping women and families get ahead in the State of the Union address this evening, releasing a statement underscoring that women’s health must be part of any economic agenda moving forward, and the importance of protecting and expanding access to family planning along with every other advance women have made over the last century.

Statement from Cecile Richards, president, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
“We applaud President Obama for his steadfast commitment to helping women and families get ahead. As the leading women’s health care provider and advocate, we hear from women every day whose lives have been shaped by their ability to access reproductive health care.

“Like the President, we believe all women -- no matter where they live or how much money they make -- deserve a fair shot and a chance to pursue their dreams. That begins with recognizing that for women, the ability to decide whether and when to have children is key to economic success.

“As we turn the page on the next chapter in our country’s future, it is critical that we protect access to reproductive health care along with every other advance women have made over the last century. Simply put:  The decisions being made today by leaders in Washington and across the country will determine whether the U.S. can keep up with progress for women on a global scale – or whether we fall behind.

“At Planned Parenthood, we’ve seen what happens when people play politics with women’s access to health care. But we’ve also seen the progress that’s possible when doors are open to women – when the people in office embrace science, embrace medicine, and embrace the direction this country is going without unnecessary government interference and expand access to health care instead of standing in the way.”

Earlier today, Planned Parenthood sent a letter to every Member of Congress emphasizing that women’s health and economic security are deeply connected and laying out ways that the 114^th Congress can move forward on improving health outcomes for women. You can view a copy of the letter here; and an accompanying fact sheet on Planned Parenthood’s services and the role that access to reproductive health care has played in economic advancement here. 

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With approximately 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.