Planned Parenthood has announced that it will endorse Hillary Clinton for president. According to the New York Times, this marks the first time the health care organization has publicly backed a candidate in a presidential primary.
“Let’s be clear — reproductive rights and health are on the ballot in 2016,” Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards said in a statement. “It is unthinkable that our daughters and granddaughters would have fewer rights than my generation did, yet every single GOP candidate for president wants to erase decades of progress for women — pledging to cut access to Planned Parenthood, ban safe, legal abortion, and block health insurance coverage for birth control.”
Richards added, “We’re proud to endorse Hillary Clinton for President of the United States. No other candidate in our nation’s history has demonstrated such a strong commitment to women or such a clear record on behalf of women’s health and rights. This is about so much more than Planned Parenthood. Health care for an entire generation is at stake.” The organization went on to list specific reasons for their choice, describing Clinton as being “in Planned Parenthood’s corner more than any other presidential candidate.”
Clinton responded to the endorsement on social media, saying she was “proud to have Planned Parenthood Action’s support” in the election. “Yesterday was a preview of what would happen under a Republican president,” Clinton wrote, referencing the House’s most recent vote to repeal Obamacare. “Every single GOP candidate would defund Planned Parenthood. I’ll take on Republicans or anyone who tries to interfere with women’s health.” ABC News reports President Obama is expected to issue his sixth veto on the measure.
Clinton will formally accept the group’s support during a campaign event in Manchester, New Hampshire on Sunday.
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