Statement on Events Planned for February 11th, 2017

Statement from Mary Alice Carter, Interim Vice President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America

“The American people support Planned Parenthood and do not want their health care stripped away. That’s why you saw thousands show up in support of Planned Parenthood around the country –– including in Colorado, where a passionate activist organized a rally of over 3,600 outside of her Senator’s office; in Maine, where lawmakers, patients, and community volunteers are joining together in a 1,000 person rally outside of city hall; or in New Jersey, where more than 100 Valentine’s Day house parties are preparing to host 1,500 supporters to write letters to their Members of Congress.

“Nineteen polls have shown overwhelmingly that Americans support Planned Parenthood. And even 50% of Trump’s own supporters do not want to see Planned Parenthood ‘defunded.’

“Protests at health centers are designed to intimidate patients seeking basic health care services at Planned Parenthood, including lifesaving cancer screenings, testing for HIV, treatment for STIs, and family planning and birth control. Patients don’t go to Planned Parenthood health centers to make a political statement — they go to receive quality care from a provider they know and trust. At Planned Parenthood, our nurses, doctors, and staff work provide affordable, high-quality health care in a safe and caring environment. That's what we're focused on today and every day.”