Planned Parenthood Action Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Planned Parenthood Illinois Action Announces
Endorsement of Pat Quinn for Governor

Chicago (10/16/14) —Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA), the non-partisan political and advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood in Illinois, today announced its endorsement of Governor Pat Quinn for the November 4th election.

“Governor Pat Quinn has been upfront on his positions for his entire career. Pat Quinn knows that abortion is a deeply personal and often complex decision for a woman,” said Pam Sutherland, Vice President of Public Policy for Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. “Quinn has always trusted women and believes politicians cannot make private medical decisions for us.”

PPIA considers a candidate’s record to be a true measure of his or her positions when it comes to access to women’s health care. On the day of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Hobby Lobby case, Pat Quinn came out strongly for insurance coverage of birth control for all women no matter where they work.

“Governor Quinn thinks basic preventive health care is a right for all women,” said Sutherland. “He knows that it’s not your boss’ business.”

Governor Quinn made sure that all those receiving health care through Medicaid have access to a full range of family planning services. In addition, Pat Quinn believes that youth need accurate information to stay safe and healthy. Therefore, he signed into law important updates to Illinois’ sexual health education law ensuring that sex education classes are medically accurate, age-appropriate, and complete.

“Seeing the repeated attacks on women’s healthcare across the country, we know the importance of electing candidates who clearly support access to reproductive health care, including birth control and abortion services,” said Pam Sutherland. “It is essential that we elect candidates like Pat Quinn who we know will stand up for women, no matter what.”

PPIA engages in educational and electoral activity, including public education campaigns, grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy on behalf of commonsense policies that protect the reproductive health and rights of women, teens and families. All pro-choice/pro-Planned Parenthood incumbents receive an endorsement regardless of the position of the opponent. To see the full list of PPIA endorsed candidates online, visit www.ppiaction.org.

Voters can now access information about candidates in one place with the newly launched online Voter Guide, a voter education tool built by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund in collaboration with Planned Parenthood Illinois Action and other Planned Parenthood advocacy organizations across the country. The online Voter Guide has been optimized for both desktop computers and mobile devices, so that voters in Illinois can take information and ratings on where candidates stand on issues of importance to women right into the voter booth. To access the Voter Guide, visit www.ppactionvoterguide.org.

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Contact:
Jacqueline Priego
312-592-6800

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This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

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