Statement by Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO, PPFA

New York, NY - The recent resurgence in antisemitic attacks across the United States, from New York to Illinois to Arizona, comes on the heels of more than 1,200 antisemitic incidents in 2020, and is part of a long history of hatred toward Jewish people that spans millennia. Today Planned Parenthood President and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson released the following statement: 

“Planned Parenthood stands with our patients, our staff, and our supporters who deserve to feel safe, seen, and supported, and to live free from the threat of violence and discrimination. The chilling and familiar way that hate speech and rhetoric begets real-world violence is a direct threat to our humanity, our democracy, and freedom for all. The recent acts of violence against members of the Jewish community in the U.S. are alarming and concerning. Planned Parenthood condemns antisemitism, as we have condemned Islamophobia, anti-immigrant rhetoric, rising anti-Asian hate crimes, anti-Black racism, and other attacks on the humanity of the communities we serve. To be clear, all of these attacks are rooted in white supremacy, which weaponizes otherization against marginalized and persecuted groups. All of these attacks are antithetical to the values of belonging and equity Planned Parenthood aspires to uphold. 

“Planned Parenthood affirms our commitment to the people we serve and stands against any and all dehumanization. We cannot do that with integrity if we do not stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters against antisemitism. As a part of a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-religious movement for justice, this is all of our fight. We won’t be deterred by those who uphold hierarchies and stoke fear of an inclusive future. We will continue to work alongside our movement partners until the freedom we are fighting for is a reality for everyone.”

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.