Planned Parenthood Celebrates U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Marriage Equality

PLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF AMERICA

For Immediate Release: June 26, 2015
Contact: Planned Parenthood Federation of America Media Office, 212-261-4433

Planned Parenthood Celebrates U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Marriage Equality

WASHINGTON, DC — Planned Parenthood released the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic ruling today that makes clear that the constitutional right to marriage extends to same-sex couples. 

Statement from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“Planned Parenthood is thrilled with the Supreme Court’s decision recognizing that the right to marry extends to same-sex couples in all 50 states. This ruling affirms what many of us already know – that love is love and all couples should be treated equally. Today will make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans and their families.

“Today’s ruling is a major victory for LGBTQ equality and a tremendous step forward for this country, which has seen extraordinary progress on LGBTQ issues in the past 10 years. This progress is rooted in principles that also underlie reproductive rights: that politicians should not get to decide what you do with your body or what your family looks like, and that rights in this country should not depend on the state you live in. We know that this progress will only continue.

“Planned Parenthood believes that reproductive rights are deeply connected to LGBTQ rights and is proud to be a provider of health care and information for so many in the LGBTQ community. We have long stood with LGBTQ people – many of whom turn to Planned Parenthood for health care, information, and education – in the fight for full equality. We care passionately about helping women, men, and young people lead healthy lives, no matter who they are or where they live. We are thrilled that people in every state will now be able to marry who they love and form the family they want.”

At Planned Parenthood, we know our patients and supporters don't comprise any one identity, and we're grateful for the many volunteers, staff, and supporters of all genders and identities who work every day to ensure that people in communities across the country get the health care and information they need.

Planned Parenthood's doors are open to everyone — regardless of gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. We believe that all people deserve high-quality, affordable health care and accurate, nonjudgmental sexual health information, no matter who they are or where they live. We know that when people are truly cared for, they make their lives, their families, and their communities better and healthier.

Background on the ruling:

In May of 2004, there wasn't a single state in the country that permitted same-sex marriage. Prior to this ruling, 37 states and the District of Columbia had marriage equality, and nearly 72 percent of Americans lived in a state that allows same-sex couples to marry. In this case, the Supreme Court considered whether or not the remaining states must allow same-sex marriage, and if not, whether they must recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. It answered both questions in the affirmative, holding all states must allow same-sex marriage and that states must recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.

There is strong public support for marriage equality: According to an April 2015 Washington Post-ABC News Poll, a record-high 6 in 10 Americans support marriage equality, saying individual states should not be allowed to define marriage as only between a man and a woman. A February 2015 poll from CNN/ORC found that 63 percent of Americans believe that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. The poll also showed that there is a majority support for marriage equality in every region of the country, as well as majority support in every age group (with 52 percent of Americans over the age of 65 saying they support marriage for same-sex couples and 70 percent of respondents under 50).

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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.