Planned Parenthood Thanks Senator Mikulski for Historic Career

WASHINGTON, DC — Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, released the following statement in response to Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski’s announcement that she will retire at the end of her term.  Senator Mikulski is the longest-serving woman member of Congress, and was the first female Democratic Senator elected to Congress in her own right.

Statement from Cecile Richards, President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“Senator Mikulski is a fierce and unapologetic champion for women — period. Whether she’s bringing together women in the U.S. Senate to build bipartisan consensus or fighting for women everywhere, she blazed a trail and changed the direction of this country. When Senator Mikulski took office, she was one of two women senators.  Now, thanks in no small part to her mentorship and guidance, she’s one of 20.

“Senator Mikulski’s commitment to ensuring women have a fair shot has changed millions of women’s lives. She has stood firm for the promise that women should have access to the full range of reproductive and maternal health services — including affordable birth control and safe, legal abortion.  Nowhere has that been clearer than during the debate over the Affordable Care Act, where she fought hard for the inclusion of no-copay preventive care for women, including birth control, and ensured that family planning providers are recognized as essential for women’s basic health care.

“She is an incredible ally to the one in five women that has depended on Planned Parenthood at some point in her lifetime and has fought to defeat any attack on access to safe, legal abortion. Her extraordinary leadership in the Senate will be greatly missed, but we know that she will make the most of the next year, and look forward to continuing our work with her.”

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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 more than 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.