Hundreds of Planned Parenthood Supporters Gather for Day of Solidarity in Washington, DC

For Immediate Release: Dec. 7, 2015

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One of Nearly 50 Events Across the Country for National Day of Solidarity to Remember Victims and Renounce Hateful Rhetoric and Violence 

Speakers included Dawn Laguens of PPFA, Mary Kay Henry, SEIU, Poet Sonya Renee Taylor, Reverend Rob Hardies, Tina Tchen, Executive Director of the White House Council on Women and Girls.

Washington, DC – Hundreds of Planned Parenthood supporters, community members and partner organizations gathered at the All Souls Church Unitarian in DC today to stand in solidarity with Planned Parenthood.  The event remembered the victims of the tragedy in Colorado Springs, showed support for access to safe reproductive health care free from violence, threats and intimidation, and called for an end to hateful rhetoric that is inciting violence in our communities.

The Day of Solidarity event in DC saw participants and speakers remember the victims in Colorado and San Bernardino, CA, share personal stories and reflections, and unify against the hateful rhetoric that has incited violence against not only Planned Parenthood, but also the black community, immigrants, refugees, and the transgender community.

Quote from Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“What happened in Colorado Springs and now San Bernardino is unspeakably tragic. Today we remember the victims of the attacks.  In the case of Colorado Springs, all of the victims were either helping someone get health care or rushing to defend the ability of others to get that care safely. In San Bernardino, it was workers from the County Health department - people deeply committed to the health of their communities. Today we stand for them and their commitment to care.”

“Today we say enough is enough. Enough of the intimidation and attacks suffered by those who seek reproductive health care -- yes, women, but often most egregiously people of color, immigrants, refugees, and our brothers and sisters in the transgender community.  Enough is enough. We deplore your violence. We reject your threats.  Our doors stay open.”

The DC event was part of Planned Parenthood’s National Day of Solidarity which saw thousands of people stand in solidarity with Planned Parenthood at nearly 50 events across the country.  Events took the form of vigils, rallies, and more.

President Barack Obama released a statement on Planned Parenthood’s Day of Solidarity saying: “Too often these acts of violence are attempts to silence our voices and undermine our most cherished values: freedom, equality, and opportunity.  Too often these terrible acts seek to generate fear.  That’s why today is so important – it’s an affirmation that we’re not afraid. It’s an affirmation that we stand together against violence that seeks to divide us and to undermine the ideals that make America great.  No woman, no American, should fear violence or intimidation when seeking health care, or assisting others in obtaining that treatment.”

Planned Parenthood had many partners and allies that helped provide the space to let everyone heal and move forward together: All Souls Church Unitarian (DC), Abortion Care Network, Advocates for Youth, Black Women’s Health Imperative, CREDO, MoveOn, National Abortion Federation, National Black Justice Coalition, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, National Organization for Women, NARAL, and SEIU.

Nationally, Planned Parenthood provides 2.7 million women and men with critical reproductive health care --- such as cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing and treatment and well-woman exams. More than half of Planned Parenthood health centers are in underserved patient communities such as rural or medically underserved areas, meaning that without us, many patients would literally have nowhere else to turn.

 

 

 

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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 approximately 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.