Scarlett Johansson Stands with Planned Parenthood

For Immediate Release: Jan. 30, 2014

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Actor Releases Video to Oppose Extreme Measures Barring Planned Parenthood from Participating in Federal Health Programs

Award-winning actor Scarlett Johansson today released a new video in which she calls on Congress to stand with Planned Parenthood and support the vital health services the organization’s more than 800 health centers provide for American women. In the 60-second video, Johansson explains the devastating impact that recent congressional assaults would have on millions of women who rely on Planned Parenthood for basic preventive health care.

In the video, Johansson says, "Every year, Planned Parenthood provides essential care to millions of women, men, and teens. For many people — especially those with low incomes — Planned Parenthood is their only source of health care. Let your Members of Congress know where you stand. Go to IStandWithPlannedParenthood.org. Sign the petition.”

Johansson, currently on location for the Cameron Crowe film titled We Bought a Zoo, took time out after a full day of filming to record the video for Planned Parenthood. 

Johansson joins more than 800,000 women, men, and teens in standing with Planned Parenthood by signing an open letter to Congress and speaking out to protect women’s access to the preventive and lifesaving health services that Planned Parenthood provides.

“Planned Parenthood is honored by Scarlett’s support and hard work on behalf of women’s health. She joins millions who support Planned Parenthood to oppose extreme and dangerous legislation that would put the lives and health of millions of women at risk,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Below is a script of Scarlett Johansson’s video in support of Planned Parenthood.

JOHANSSON:

“A cancer that goes undetected. A sexually transmitted disease left untreated.  A woman unable to get the birth control she needs to plan her family and take control of her own destiny.

“This is the disastrous vision of some leaders in the United States House of Representatives.

“The House passed a bill to eliminate our country’s family planning program and to stop Planned Parenthood health centers from receiving any federal money to provide lifesaving preventative care. That means no money for cervical cancer screenings and breast exams. No money for testing and treatment of STDS — not even testing for HIV. No money for birth control.

“Every year, Planned Parenthood provides this essential care to millions of women, men, and teens. For many people — especially those with low incomes — Planned Parenthood is their only source of health care.

“Let your Members of Congress know where you stand. Go to IStandWithPlannedParenthood.org. Sign the petition. And find out how you can join the fight to defend women’s health.

“Stand with Planned Parenthood. I do.”

The House of Representatives voted to stop Planned Parenthood from providing lifesaving cancer screenings, testing and treatment for STDs, and affordable birth control through federal health programs. The House also voted to completely eliminate the national family planning program (Title X).  Together, these extreme proposals would block millions of women from access to primary and preventive health care they need. That is why nearly a million people have signed Planned Parenthood’s petition urging Congress to reject this attack on women’s health.

To view the video, click here.

 

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