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.
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Planned Parenthood Federation of America is the nation's leading sexual and reproductive health care advocate and provider. We believe that everyone has the right to choose when or whether to have a child, and that every child should be wanted and loved. Planned Parenthood affiliates operate more than 860 health centers nationwide, providing medical services and sexuality education for millions of women, men, and teenagers each year. We also work with allies worldwide to ensure that all women and men have the right and the means to meet their sexual and reproductive health care needs.
Contacts
Erin Kiernon, 212-261-4337
Published: 12.26.07
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