Statement on Today's Verdict in Derek Chauvin Trial

St. Paul, MN— Today, Planned Parenthood North Central States issued the following statement in response to today’s verdict that former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, has been found guilty on all charges.

Statement from Sarah Stoesz, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States:

“Today’s verdict in Derek Chauvin’s trial is one small step toward accountability. While this verdict may bring us brief solace, the truth is there can never be real justice because we lost a man who should be alive today. And while today’s verdict gives us hope for change, it does not undo the centuries of pain and violence against people of color in our country that have gone unseen, unnoticed, unheard, and too often uncharged. 

We stand in solidarity with the collective call for accountability, justice, and an end to these inequities in our communities.  We know that there will not be a true justice system in this country until we dismantle systemic racism and until all people—especially Black people and people of color—are safe in their homes, cars, neighborhoods and communities.”    

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Planned Parenthood North Central States and its subsidiary organizations provide, promote, and protect reproductive and sexual health through high quality care, education and advocacy. A member of America’s most trusted reproductive health care provider, our affiliate is proud to support and operate 30 health centers across our five-state region (Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota).  Each year, we provide health care to nearly 115,000 people and health education to more than 55,000 people in our region.