Cecile Richards: My Response to the McCain Campaign's Attacks on Planned Parenthood

[marmar]

from HuffPost:


May 9, 2007
The Honorable John McCain
John McCain 2008
P.O. Box 16118
Arlington, VA 22215

Dear Senator McCain:

I'm writing in response to recent comments about Planned Parenthood made by your campaign.

As you know, there was a time, not too long ago, when you and other Republican candidates for office reflected the beliefs of most Republicans: that individuals have the right to make personal, private and responsible decisions about their health, their families and their futures -- based on accurate, unbiased information and free from government intrusion and mandates.

In short, much of the Republican Party once shared the core principles of Planned Parenthood -- the nation's leading reproductive health care advocate and provider.

That is precisely why it's so very disappointing to see the troubling turn your campaign has taken -- particularly the recent incendiary remarks made by your key strategist John Weaver, who, according to The Los Angeles Times, called Planned Parenthood "one of the most radical pro-abortion groups in the country."

Millions of U.S. women, men and teens from the reddest of red states to the bluest of blue states -- including more than 80,000 Arizonans -- rely on Planned Parenthood every year for cancer screening, breast exams, family planning, medically accurate sex education, birth control and abortion services. We would hope that you and your advisers would recognize and respect Planned Parenthood's 90-year-old commitment to providing quality information and care.

In light of your most recent attack on Planned Parenthood's vital health care mission -- driven by the need to score political points for your campaign -- I feel compelled to point out that some of your most generous donors are also some of Planned Parenthood's strongest supporters. In fact, Planned Parenthood in Arizona was founded by Republicans, including Mrs. Barry Goldwater and Mrs. Maie Bartlett Heard.

Before your campaign lobs another attack on Planned Parenthood's trusted reproductive health care services, I strongly urge you to consider the health and well-being of the millions of individuals and families who support and benefit from Planned Parenthood services every day in communities nationwide.

Sincerely,

Cecile Richards
President
Planned Parenthood Action Fund

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cecile-richards/my-response-to-the-mccain_b_48067.html

[Maat]

1. Well-said, Ms. Richards!

You have your momma's fine gifts! You express yourself well.

(Her mom: the Great Gov. Ann Richards)

[kimmylavin]

2. Excellent Letter

Call their hypocrisy on the carpet!

Incidentally, I only recently found out about the Bush family and Planned Parenthood. Namely, Prescott Bush was a HUGE supporter of Planned Parenthood, and that Bush 41 had supported a woman's right to choose, but ditched that when St. Ronnie asked him to come on board. Very interesting.