Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards on Planned Parenthood of New Mexico Arson

Two Planned Parenthood health centers in New Mexico were the targets of arson and vandalism in the early morning hours of December 25, 2007. Thanks to additional security precautions implemented by Planned Parenthood of New Mexico, damage was minimal and the health centers opened on time and are seeing patients as planned today.

Each year, tens of thousands of women, men and teens rely on Planned Parenthood of New Mexico for reproductive health care education, information and services including birth control, cancer screenings, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, and abortion. Planned Parenthood's top priorities are protecting the health and safety of our patients and ensuring the safety and security of our patients, staff and volunteers. We denounce attacks on reproductive health care providers and call on everyone who cares about women’s health to join us in condemning acts of violence. Women should be able to access health care without fear of violence or intimidation.

Recent events in New Mexico, including the December 7, 2007, arson at a doctor's office in Albuquerque, raise troubling questions about extremists in the state and the lengths they will go to in their quest to restrict women's access to health care. Planned Parenthood is committed to ensuring that hardliners who attack our health centers are brought to justice.