Planned Parenthood Supports the March For Black Women

March Falls on the 41st Anniversary of the Hyde Amendment

Washington, DC — Planned Parenthood is proud to stand in solidarity with the March for Black Women and the March for Racial Justice, which will take place in Washington, DC this Saturday, September 30th. While the March for Black Women elevates the unique and vulnerable position of Black women in the United States and around the world, the two marches will coincide to fight back in the wake of increased white supremacists attacks and mobilizations around the nation. Both marches will engage people of color and allies in a national call-to-action to stand up for racial justice. They will take place this Saturday, September 30 on the anniversary of the Elaine massacre –– one of the nation’s most deadly race riots, which also happens to be the 41st anniversary of the Hyde Amendment.

“Planned Parenthood believes that creating health equity — including access to quality, affordable, compassionate health care — is critical to ensuring all people can lead healthy, safe, and autonomous lives,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “We cannot achieve that mission in a country and culture where systemic racism blocks Black women, from full bodily and reproductive autonomy. We must work with communities of color to dismantle white supremacy – and the oppressive systems that stem from it  – which prevents advancements in health equity.”

One of the discriminatory policies that stand in the way of Black women getting care is the Hyde Amendment. This law unfairly targets patients who rely on Medicaid and denies them abortion coverage. Thirty-one percent of Black women between the ages of 15 and 44 rely on Medicaid. This provision is a direct attack on their access to safe, legal abortion.

For years, reproductive justice leaders and organizations, including many involved in organizing the March for Black Women, have led the fight to repeal Hyde and have centered its impact on women of color who rely on Medicaid for insurance coverage.

“We are clear at Planned Parenthood that there can be no reproductive freedom without racial justice,” said Angela Ferrell-Zabala, director of strategic partnerships at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “That is why, as a health care provider, Planned Parenthood is committed to working with communities and partners to fight for health equity, increased access to health care, including abortion care, and full racial justice for all Black women and people of color.”

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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 affiliates 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.