Planned Parenthood Supports March for Science

WASHINGTON – This Earth Day, Planned Parenthood will stand with advocates at the March for Science in Washington, D.C. and at satellite marches across the country to elevate the critical role science plays in the health and safety of communities. The March for Science taking place on April 22 will bring together a diverse coalition of leaders, activists and groups who believe policy should be based in science, not ideology. It comes as extreme politicians at all levels of government continue to use “junk science” to advance dangerous anti-women’s health legislation, increasing barriers to health care and evidence-based sex education programs.

Statement of Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, Chief Medical Officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“Health care policy should be left to the experts, not politicians.Planned Parenthood believes in evidence-based policymaking, medicine, and sex education, led by medical and public health experts. Leaning on “junk science” or “alternative facts” leads to unsafe communities and negative health outcomes.

“At Planned Parenthood, our top priority is making sure that every person can make their own personal, informed health care decisions based on accurate, science-based information from their providers, without interference from politicians.  We are proud to stand with the diverse group of advocates leading the March for Science, and we will continue our work to ensure people are safe and have access to health care providers who provide the full range of evidence-based reproductive health care services.”

Planned Parenthood is committed to working alongside those marching this weekend to build on the enormous progress made in expanding access to birth control and reproductive health care in this country. We work every day to ensure everyone has access to the proper care and health care information they deserve. 

Access to affordable birth control is critical to helping women and young people achieve their goals. A recent report byChild Trends showed that increasing the use of effective contraception reduces unintended pregnancy, and research by the Guttmacher Institute has shown an association between increased use of effective birth control and a decline in unintended pregnancy.

Planned Parenthood health centers see 2.5 million women, men, and young people each year, nearly half of whom are people of color. Every day, across the country, Planned Parenthood provides affordable, quality preventive health care including lifesaving cancer screenings, birth control, testing and treatment for STIs, breast health services, and accurate, nonjudgmental sexual health education and information — no matter what.

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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.