Planned Parenthood Commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month by Standing with the Latino Community

Leading health care provider fights back against defunding efforts, highlighting disproportionate impact on Latino Community

New York, NY — Today, Planned Parenthood Federation of America commemorated the start of Hispanic Heritage Month by standing with the Latino community in the United States and around the world.

“Planned Parenthood is proud to be a preferred health care provider for the Latino community, many of whom rely on our high-quality, affordable, and compassionate care,” said Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.  “This political attempt to defund Planned Parenthood would threaten basic preventive health care services for more than 575,000 Latinos who rely on Planned Parenthood nationwide. We will never let that happen.”

Latinos often need access to affordable health care the most, but they are the least likely to have access to it as they continue to have the lowest rate of health care coverage of any ethnic group, as one-quarter are uninsured. They are also disproportionately at risk for health complications: They are more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer than women of any other racial or ethnic group, more likely to die from breast cancer than non-Latino white women, and have higher rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than non-Latinos.

“Defunding Planned Parenthood would take away the access to care that the Latino community depends on to ensure that they remain a healthy and vibrant generation and emerging political power,” said Vanessa Gonzalez-Plumhoff, Director of Latino Leadership and Engagement, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “We are proud to work with our partners within the community fighting for the healthiest generation, who will have the knowledge and right to access the health care they need, advocate for that opportunity for others, and stand strong against politicians who want to weaken those options.”

In addition to providing critical preventive health care, Planned Parenthood advocates for and with the Latino community and in partnership with community leaders to harness their political power and increase their access to health care.  Raíz organizers in select states with high Latino population work to mobilize Latinos on the ground and Promotoras across the country bring bilingual education into Latino homes. Planned Parenthood has also played a key role in educating and enrolling Latinos in the Affordable Care Act during each and every open enrollment period. We are committed to serving all Latinos without judgment, regardless of immigration status, with the highest quality of care.

Planned Parenthood’s approximately 700 health centers nationwide provide birth control, testing and treatment for STIs, and lifesaving cancer screenings to millions of people every year. Internationally, Planned Parenthood Global partners with over 50 organizations in Africa and Latin America to provide and defend access to sexual and reproductive health care services. Last year, Planned Parenthood Global partners reached over 1 million people, many of them in Latin America, with sexual and reproductive health information and services.

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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.