Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains Statement on Defunding Announcement
For Immediate Release: Jan. 5, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2017
CONTACT
Whitney Phillips, 303-359-8519
PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS STATEMENT ON DEFUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT
DENVER, CO -- Today, Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) announced plans to defund Planned Parenthood, cutting off health care for millions of low-income women, men and young people who access quality preventive and basic care like cancer screenings and birth control at hundreds of health centers across the country.
Statement from Vicki Cowart, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains
“The announcement today could not be more dangerous for future of women's health care. Defunding Planned Parenthood is bad for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Southern Nevada and Wyoming, and would result in a self-inflicted public health crisis. Over 100,000 people relied on Planned Parenthood last year for their care. Those patients come from all walks of life for lifesaving care like cancer screenings, birth control, and STI and STD tests, and they cannot afford to have basic reproductive health care attacked. Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains has been helping people for 100 years. People rely on us and trust us for their health care and we’re going to be here for them for 100 more. Women and men will not let politicians play games with their health care. We will work along side other Planned Parenthood affiliates and our coalition partners across the country to fight like hell against this."
Yesterday, Planned Parenthood Action Fund launched the #IStandWithPlannedParenthood national campaign. In the weeks ahead volunteers and activists will hold 300 events in 47 states and 150 cities to mobilize supporters to fight back against this attack. The events will take place throughout January, February and March, and include marches, rallies, organizing events and more. The events coincide with the launch of a new website, istandwithpp.org, directing supporters to take action by sending letters to their members of Congress, volunteering for Planned Parenthood, sharing their story, finding an event, or calling their senator. A petition asking Congress to stand with Planned Parenthood against the attacks also launched on Tuesday, already boasting 63,000 signatures.
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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.