Media Release 11.09.06
Voters Choose Politicians To Protect Women’s Rights, Reproductive Healthcare
Planned Parenthood Efforts Help Elect Progressive Leaders
CHAMPAIGN – Planned Parenthood of East Central Illinois (PPECI), working with the Illinois Planned Parenthood Council, mobilized voters for victories during the mid-term election Tuesday. Communities across PPECI’s 36 county service area elected progressive and pro-choice candidates to local and state offices.
“The real winners in this election are the women and families we serve. Americans nationwide have voiced their support for women’s issues. This is a major step forward for women’s healthcare and reproductive rights,” said Karla Peterson, president and chief executive officer of Planned Parenthood of East Central Illinois.
Locally, Planned Parenthood staff members and volunteers educated voters about candidate’s records and positions on family planning, women’s healthcare and reproductive rights. More than 40,000 voter guides were distributed statewide.
Many winning candidates, including Illinois state representative Naomi Jakobsson (D) and newly elected state senator Mike Frerichs (D), were endorsed by Planned Parenthood because of their pro-choice stance and support of legislation that protects reproductive rights. Jakobsson has been a strong supporter of Planned Parenthood since her initial election in 2002.
Progressive and pro-choice candidates nationwide were elected to seats in Congress, including six new pro-choice senators. Democratic control of the House of Representatives has delivered the first-ever female Speaker of the House. Nancy Pelosi, a pro-choice Democrat, will now hold this post.
For more information about legislative issues important to Planned Parenthood, visit http://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/.
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Planned Parenthood of East Central Illinois(PPECI) is the largest provider of reproductive health care in downstate Illinois. More than 14,000 men, women and teens are served by PPECI each year. Planned Parenthood of East Central Illinois has been providing personal, affordable and confidential healthcare, education and advocacy in the area since 1940. Learn more about us on the web at http://www.ppeci.org/.
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