Planned Parenthood Believes Dr. Christine Blasey Ford

WASHINGTON D.C. - Following Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee, Planned Parenthood issued the following statement.

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

Thank you, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. You should not have to relive your trauma, but we are grateful for your willingness and courage to share your story. We believe you, and we believe all survivors.

“Republican leaders on the Senate Judiciary Committee failed survivors of sexual violence today. Dr. Blasey Ford bravely shared her experience in front of the entire nation. Today’s hearing was designed to protect Republican leaders, discredit Dr. Blasey Ford, and advance Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to a vote. They refused to heed Dr. Blasey Ford’s call for an FBI investigation – instead they put her on trial and had her cross-examined by an experienced prosecutor. It is disgraceful and wrong. Brett Kavanaugh is not entitled to a seat on the Supreme Court, and his judicial record and these allegations make it clear that his nomination must be withdrawn. The actions of the Senate Judiciary Committee send the dangerous message to sexual assault survivors around the country that the senate is more concerned with advancing their partisan agenda rather than listening to and acting upon serious allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.

Sexual assault can be a traumatic, life-changing event. Sexual assault is more common than many people think; it is vastly underreported for multiple reasons, including that approximately seven out of 10 assaults are committed by someone known to the victim. The unfortunate truth is that too many people who come forward with an experience of sexual assault suffer further hurt and humiliation by having their story dismissed, their integrity doubted, or their motives questioned.

Poll after poll after poll has shown that opposition to Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination is growing to historic unpopularity and that women are roundly rejecting the nomination.

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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 600 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.