Chicago Stands With Planned Parenthood

Thank you to the incredible group of supporters who came to speak out in support of women's health care at the Stand Up for Women's Health Rally today!

Last Friday, the House of Representatives passed the Pence Amendment (find out how your Representative voted here!), which would prohibit all Planned Parenthood health centers from receiving any federal funds for any purpose, including providing affordable cancer screenings, birth control, HIV testing, and testing and treatment for other sexually transmitted infections.

Rally attendees gathered in Federal Plaza in Chicago to denounce the Pence Amendment and to show support for our Senators who will have an opportunity in the coming days to reject this extreme approach, restore common sense, and guarantee that Planned Parenthood and the millions of Americans who count on us for health care are protected.

"We are concerned for the 40,000 patients in Illinois who rely on Planned Parenthood to provide them with these critical health care services through the Federal Title X family planning program every year," said Planned Parenthood of Illinois CEO Carole Brite in her statement at the rally. "Across the country, 48 percent of Planned Parenthood patients--approximately 1.4 million people--would be cut off from their primary source of health care. Will we stand for cuts to women's health care? No."

Now, it’s up to our Senators to stand up for Planned Parenthood and the women that we serve. Sen. Mark Kirk and Sen. Dick Durbin have stood with Planned Parenthood and supported women and families in the past. We encourage them to continue that support by voting against any attempts to deny vital health care services to millions of women, men and teens.

Thanks again to all of our rally supporters! Your efforts will help us make a difference!   We would also like to send a huge thank you to Congressman Mike Quigley for attending the rally! Congressman Quigley energized the crowd with his words of support for women's health care amidst the current wave of anti-choice legislation. Congressman Quigley has been a leader in the fight to ensure that women have access to quality reproductive health care and we are thrilled that he took the time to join us.

To learn more about what you can do to stand up for women's health, click here!

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