Planned Parenthood Vows to Fight Forward In Wake of Presidential Election, Bush Win Disastrous for Reproductive Rights and Health

11/3/2004 3:09:00 PM


To: National Desk

Contact: Gustavo Suarez, 212-261-4339 or Erin Libit, 202-973-4883, both of Planned Parenthood Federation of America

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Planned Parenthood Action Fund today expressed its disappointment in President Bush's re-election but affirmed its determination to continue fighting forward for women's reproductive rights.

"In a political race, there is always a winner and a loser," said Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Gloria Feldt. "But it is also true that every victory sows the seeds of the next defeat and every defeat sows the seeds of the next victory. Today we at the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, along with America's pro-choice majority, dedicate ourselves to forging ahead in the fight for women's reproductive rights and health.

"We are deeply disappointed that President Bush will now have four more years to continue his efforts to roll back women's rights. Our thoughts are with all the women, both in this country and around the world, whose lives and health will suffer as a result. But these election results are not a mandate to move the country yet further to the right on women's rights. We will think and act with unity of purpose and fierceness of heart to protect our human rights. No matter what."

Feldt noted that America will now face decisive battles over the future of the U.S. Supreme Court and attempts to restrict access to abortion, contraception, and comprehensive medically accurate sex education. Feldt also vowed that the Action Fund would work with other human and civil rights organizations to protect and elevate women's reproductive self-determination.

"We will fight these and many other battles," Feldt said, "to continue to work to bring about the day when reproductive rights are understood as fundamental human rights that can never be jeopardized by the outcome of any election."