Planned Parenthood, WNBA Partner to Empower Women, Girls Through ‘Take a Seat, Take a Stand’ Program 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the WNBA launched “Take a Seat, Take a Stand,” its new women and girls empowerment program in partnership with Planned Parenthood and other advocacy organizations serving women and girls. When regular-season games begin tomorrow, May 18, WNBA tickets will do more than support women’s sports – fans will have the chance to take a stand by supporting several organizations that are changing the game for women and girls.

For each ticket purchased to select games, the WNBA will make a donation to one of six organizations of the fan's choosing, as well as providing an additional ticket to send a young woman or girl to a game where she can be inspired and empowered by the strength, talent, and leadership of the women of the WNBA. Fans can also choose to donate tickets directly to one of the organizations.

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

We’re so grateful the WNBA is standing up for the 2.4 million patients who rely on Planned Parenthood and supporting issues that affect the health, well-being, and success of women and girls. Players have used their platforms to bring attention to inequality and, through ‘Take a Seat, Take a Stand,’ the WNBA is giving fans an opportunity to join them in the fight for social change.

In July, the WNBA’s Seattle Storm hosted “Stand With Planned Parenthood” night during a nationally televised game on ESPN2. This marked a first in U.S. sports –– it was the first time ever that a sports franchise partnered with Planned Parenthood. 

Along with Planned Parenthood, the WNBA selected five other national partner organizations for “Take a Seat, Take a Stand”: 

• Bright Pink, a national nonprofit focused on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancers in young women.
   
• GLSEN, a national network of students, educators, parents, and community leaders working to create safe and inclusive schools for LGBTQ students.
   
• It’s On Us, a cultural movement aimed at fundamentally shifting the way we think about sexual assault.
   
• MENTOR, the unifying champion for quality youth mentoring in the United States.
   
• The United State of Women, a national organization for any woman who sees that we need a different America for all women to survive and thrive — and wants to work collectively to achieve it.

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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.