Progressive leaders went on record last week to defend reproductive health care access in New York and nationwide, in the face of remarkably coordinated and vicious attacks. Anti-abortion extremists have engaged in a decade long pattern of illegal harassment. They have released three secretly recorded, heavily edited videos to make outrageous claims about Planned Parenthood all in an attempt to ban safe and legal abortion, defund Planned Parenthood, and cut people off from access to health care.
WHAT PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS MEMBERS SAY:
“Planned Parenthood provides millions of Americans with vital healthcare services every year and has was been the most trusted women’s health provider in the country for nearly 100 years. Not only do they provide critical services but they provide care to everyone who walks through their doors regardless of their immigration status, age or ability to pay…” Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito
“These attacks, make no mistake are false. They are really, really terrible and they are aimed at stopping Planned Parenthood from providing the life-saving health care that they provide every single day to thousands of people, women and men alike. This organization does amazing work and we have to make sure that Planned Parenthood comes out of this stronger than ever.” Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer
“Family planning is not a luxury, it is a right. Many women, especially from immigrant and low-income families rely on these critical services that anti-abortion extremist are trying to take away. I am grateful to for Planned Parenthood’s work on behalf of women in my district, throughout New York City and nationwide.” Council Member Margaret Chin
“It’s simple, right-wing zealots and their friends in Congress are out to defund Planned Parenthood and deny women access to contraception, cancer screenings and to safe and legal abortion. They’ve been at it for years and they’ll use any tactic…Planned Parenthood is essential not only because it provide access to high-quality, affordable healthcare but because the right to make your own decision about your sexual and reproductive health is essential to living and independent, healthy and fulfilling life…” Council Member Brad Lander
“Over 50 thousand New Yorkers rely on Planned Parenthood every year for vital reproductive services, STD testing and treatment and birth control…I stand with Planned Parenthood and we all should stand with Planned Parenthood.” Council Member Stephen Levin
“The recent attacks upon Planned Parenthood have been unfounded and biased. I want to state unequivocally that I support Planned Parenthood and its objectives to provide reproductive health and family planning services. They have been doing so for 100 years and New Yorkers are lucky to have them in our city.” Council Member Daniel Dromm
“Anti-choice individuals are willing to use lies and misinformation to prevent access to primary healthcare. Planned Parenthood also provides accurate sex-ed information to 26 thousand youth, adults and professionals. I’m proud to stand with them for all the good work they do including health education.” Council Member Helen Rosenthal
“Right-wing voices are determined to deny women their reproduction rights but Planned Parenthood provides compassionate, informed, non-judgmental, confidential services, support and care to women. That’s why I’m proud to be a supporter of the organization at this difficult moment.” Council Member Mark Levine
IN THE NEWS
NY Daily News, De Blasio joins other top NYC elected officials to make videos supporting Planned Parenthood amid controversy