Planned Parenthood of Greater New York Official Statement on the Murder of George Floyd and Anti-Black Racism 

New York, NY — Today, a former Minneapolis police officer was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter, days after a disturbing video showed him pinning his knee to George Floyd's neck for at least eight minutes before Floyd died. George Floyd was unarmed, non-combative, and plead for his life moments leading up to his death. Planned Parenthood of Greater New York denounces all forms of racism and stands in solidarity with Black communities across the country. 

Joint Statement from Laura McQuade President and CEO, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York & Merle McGee, Chief Equity and Engagement Officer, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York: 

This has been yet another horrific week for our nation. Our hearts are broken once again by the murder of a Black man at the hands of the police. His name is George Floyd. He was a son, a brother, a friend. One of his last words was a plea for his late mother.  

The human right to live free from state-sponsored violence is a reproductive justice issue and not separate from our work at PPGNY. Bodily autonomy extends beyond health care and when and whether to have children. It must include having the resources and safety to support families. George Floyd was robbed of that human right.  

With each new tragedy, we must recommit to fighting racism, in particular anti-Black racism, inside and outside our organization. Planned Parenthood of Greater New York stands in solidarity with the Black community, reproductive justice leaders, and community partners.

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Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (PPGNY) is a leading provider, educator, and advocate of sexual and reproductive health care in New York State.  PPGNY offers a wide range of services at its 30 locations across 65% of NYS - including gynecological care; birth control; cancer screenings; pregnancy testing; STI testing and treatment; HIV prevention, testing, and counseling; transgender hormone therapy; and vasectomy. PPGNY is also proud to provide abortion services to anyone who needs compassionate, non-judgmental care. PPGNY is a trusted source of medically-accurate, evidence-based information that allows people to make informed decisions about their health and future.  As a voice for reproductive freedom, PPGNY supports legislation and policies that ensure all New Yorkers have access to the full range of reproductive health services and education.