Thousands of Planned Parenthood Supporters Across the Country Stand in Solidarity

For Immediate Release: Dec. 7, 2015

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Nearly 50 Events Bring Thousands Together in Communities Across the Country to Remember Victims and Renounce Hateful Rhetoric and Violence, #Solidarity Trending Nationally

Washington, DC – Thousands of Planned Parenthood supporters, community members and partner organizations came together today at nearly 50 locations across the country, and millions were engaged online for the National Day of Solidarity. Events remembered the victims of the tragedy in Colorado Springs, showed support for access to safe reproductive health care free from violence, threats and intimidation, and called for an end to hateful rhetoric that is inciting violence in our communities.

Quote from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“We come together today to remember those who lost their lives in Colorado Springs and San Bernardino and those of you whose lives are forever changed --- and to recommit ourselves to ending violence against women, against doctors, against clinicians, against health centers, and against America.”

“What happened in Colorado Springs broke our hearts -- and it steeled our spines.  In these moments we all have a choice: Do we let callousness win, or compassion?  Do we tune out, or do we engage? Shutdown, or stand up? Planned Parenthood always chooses compassion. Even in the hardest times.  Especially in the hardest times.”

“Planned Parenthood will continue doing what they do every day, all across this country -- saving lives.  Thousands of patients have come through our doors since last Friday, and millions more will this year.  Our doors stay open.”

Thousands attended nearly 50 events that took place across the country, including two anchor events in Washington, DC, and Denver, CO, where hundreds gathered.  Events took the form of vigils, rallies, and more. Millions were engaged online with #Solidarity trending nationally. Planned Parenthood had over 50 ally partners including Advocates for Youth, Black Women’s Health Imperative, National Abortion Federation, National Black Justice Coalition, CREDO, MoveOn, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, National Organization for Women, NARAL, ACLU, SEIU, and more.

President Barack Obama released a statement on Planned Parenthood’s Day of Solidarity saying: “Too often these acts of violence are attempts to silence our voices and undermine our most cherished values: freedom, equality, and opportunity.  Too often these terrible acts seek to generate fear.  That’s why today is so important – it’s an affirmation that we’re not afraid. It’s an affirmation that we stand together against violence that seeks to divide us and to undermine the ideals that make America great.  No woman, no American, should fear violence or intimidation when seeking health care, or assisting others in obtaining that treatment.”

The Day of Solidarity comes a week after the tragic shooting at a Planned Parenthood health center in Colorado Springs, CO, and just days after Congress doubled down on their attacks against reproductive health care --- fast-tracking a bill that would block patients from services at Planned Parenthood health centers.

 

Events took place in:

Mobile, Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama

Tempe, Arizona

Little Rock, Arkansas

Los Angeles, California

Denver, Colorado

Atlanta, Georgia

Chicago, Illinois

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Norton, Massachusetts

St. Louis, Missouri

Springfield, Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Jackson, Mississippi

Missoula, Montana

Billings, Montana

Great Falls, Montana

Reno, Nevada

Elmira, New York

Corning, New York

Syracuse New York

Rochester, New York

New York, New York

Hempstead, NY

Buffalo, New York

Raleigh, North Carolina

Fargo, North Dakota

Cleveland, Ohio

Wooster, Ohio

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Portland, Oregon

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Columbia, South Carolina

Knoxville, Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee

San Antonio, Texas

Dallas, Texas

Houston, Texas

Richmond, Virginia

Seattle, Washington

Washington, DC

Morgantown, West Virginia

And More

 

Nationally, Planned Parenthood provides 2.7 million women and men with critical reproductive health care --- such as cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing and treatment and well-woman exams. More than half of Planned Parenthood health centers are in underserved patient communities such as rural or medically underserved areas, meaning that without us, many patients would literally have nowhere else to turn.

 

Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards speaks to hundreds of Planned Parenthood supporters in Denver

 

Hundreds of Planned Parenthood supporters gather in Denver to stand in solidarity

 

Hundreds of Planned Parenthood supporters and allies packed the All Souls Church Unitarian in DC to stand in solidarity

 

  

Planned Parenthood supporters and allies gathered in Chicago

 

Planned Parenthood in New York City preparing for the National Day of Solidarity

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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.