Planned Parenthood Stands with You

[BainsBane]

For 100 years, Planned Parenthood has provided reproductive healthcare for American women. I myself received my first gynecological exam at a Planned Parenthood clinic. In many places in the nation, they are the only clinics that provide such services--not just abortion but regular gynecological exams, pap smears, cervicals, and birth control.

We are experiencing renewed calls by the GOP to defund Planned Parenthood and to deprive women of those basic medical services that allow us autonomy over our lives. Now, a movement of some "progressives" has arisen to deny them funding--essentially to encourage private citizens to stop donations--because Planned Parenthood endorsed for the presidency a candidate who has forcefully and proactively defended their work with American women.

The primary contest of 2016 is a historical blip, a brief moment that will pass. The work Planned Parenthood does is far more enduring. Denying Planned Parenthood funding now can result in unwanted pregnancies that might otherwise have been prevented by family planning services birth control. That affects the entirety of women's lives and even subsequent generations.

Yet some insist what really matters is not the work PP does but Bernie's career. They should be punished for failing to endorse him. For that vocal minority of Sanders supporters, his political prospects trump the reproductive rights of the women of America, particularly those in rural and poor areas with no other options.

I don't care much who anyone supports for the nomination, but when Planned Parenthood is targeted because they failed to prioritize the electoral prospects of a particular member of the political elite, an indelible line in the sand is drawn. If Bernie's candidacy is really more important to you than the work Planned Parenthood does, something is seriously wrong. If people advocate that Planned Parenthood be deprived of funding and girls and women saddled with unwanted pregnancy as a result, they forsake any pretense of standing for any just or justifiable cause.

When "progressives" target an organization that has worked for the reproductive rights of women for many decades, their priorities are made clear. It's not enough to openly court the votes of anti-choice advocates, but now they they share the right's enemies list: First Black Lives Matter, then one union after another, Emily's List, and now Planned Parenthood. Why people claim to justify that opposition matters far less than the fact they are actively working to undermine them.

No politician is worth more than the lives and rights of half of the American population. Joining the GOP War on Women is not progressive or leftist. Its simply wrong.

Planned Parenthood has stood with us for 100 years. It's time we stand with them. If you're a Sanders supporter, stand up for equal rights. Make clear that you do not elevate one man above the women and families of America, that supporting Bernie (or Hillary or Martin) demands standing up for rather than forsaking equal rights.

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/donate

[99Forever]

1. People who I have supported that presume to make political endorsements...

... without asking my opinion, DO NOT stand with me.

Period.

[roguevalley]

26. agreed

[Cary]

86. So you're a proud fair weather friend.

Impressive.

[Squinch]

109. You were expecting that Planned Parenthood would ask your opinion? Seriously?

[99Forever]

112. If they want support...

... they damn sure better ask the people who are paying their way through life if it's okay with them.

You get the difference between a generic and a personal me, right?

Or perhaps you don't. That wouldn't surprise me.

that.

[Proserpina]

2. Nope. Planned Parenthood now doubling down on their political folly

They had no business endorsing before the primary process selected a candidate, and they won't admit to the mistake and the damage they have done to their organization's reputation.

Shifting the blame to those who call them on their faux pas is not the way to fix it, either.

"Turn back, O WOMan, forswear thy foolish ways..."

[rurallib]

50. well stated

while we continue to support their work PP should have stayed out of the primary. There is little difference in support of reproductive rights among the three candidates. Thus any of the three should be quite acceptable to them.

[leftofcool]

53. There was no mistake. They chose the right candidate.

[SusanCalvin]

56. The right candidate for them to officially choose would have been none.

I agree that this is (hopefully) a blip, but it is a blip of very poor judgment.

[Proserpina]

59. "Choosing a candidate" is not part of their mission statement

"Choosing a candidate" before the primaries is putting the entire operation in jeopardy.

Not only does this alienate a large portion of the voting public that would ordinarily have no quarrel with PP, it adds fuel to the political pyre that the GOP is building.

What were they thinking? It was an obvious and blatant case of one Elitist hand washing the other, with no thought for the public which PP purports to serve. It is, in a word, CORRUPT.

...all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand-off...

[BlueCaliDem]

64. Yes, they did. They can deny it all they want, but facts are facts.

Planned Parenthood chose to endorse the ONE candidate who actually drafted bills to protect women's rights.

[JRLeft]

3. I will continue to donate to PP, even though it supports the corporate democrat.

It does important work for women, especially poor women.

[Hiraeth]

36. ^^^ this ^^^ Leave the politics out of it.

[demwing]

57. PP made this political, not ANYONE else

I don't regret a cent I've ever given, but I don't expect to donate again any time soon.

[Hiraeth]

74. PLANNED PARENTHOOD CAN DO NO WRONG. STAND WITH THEM. YOU HAVE BEEN ASSIMILATED

[JTFrog]

82. Or stand against them. You will be standing with the Republicans and the most disgusting

people in this country.

Have at it.

[Hiraeth]

87. I HAVE BEEN ASSILMILATED. I HAVE MADE USE OF THEIR SERVICES.

[sufrommich]

4. Thank you,Bain.

And fuck anybody who makes the lame claim that they were asking for it.

[William769]

32. AUTOMATED MESSAGE: Results of your Jury Service

On Sat Jan 9, 2016, 08:55 AM an alert was sent on the following post:

Thank you,Bain.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=987652

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

"And fuck anybody who..." disagrees with you, posted as a way to insult and silence debate, is over the top and has no place on a civil discussion forum.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Sat Jan 9, 2016, 09:33 AM, and the Jury voted 2-5 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Lame
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: GD P
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: So you try to silence anyone you disagree with? Pathetic. There is a lot of agreement with this sentiment here on DU. Fuck anyone who goes after PP. All in hopes of hurting Hillary? Those threatening to withhold thier money from PP because they want to hurt Hillary? Or is it just women in general? Because this won't hurt Hillary. This will hurt women who otherwise won't be able get the help they need. So yea, fuck anyone who goes after PP or spreads their hatred on DU in a fashion that encourages other to not support PP in the futre. Just fuck that noise.
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Frivolous alert. looks to me like this alert is trying to silence debate. Shame on whoever sent this alert.
Juror #6 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: The original post was on the line. This reply went over, IMO.
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

[sufrommich]

41. Thank you for sharing that,Bill.

[William769]

61. Anytime.

[Walk away]

133. I'd like to buy juror #4 a drink!!!!

[TSIAS]

147. Juror #4

Is no friend of mine.

[Walk away]

150. I'm sure they are proud to have nothing to do with you!

I know I am

[Hiraeth]

39. classy

[ismnotwasm]

5. And I stand with them

If they had chosen Sanders for this historic endorsement I would have been disappointed but I never would withdraw my support.

Is PP under that huge bus now?

[Cha]

6. So many people have been helped by Planned Parenthood, BB.. I think they will be fine.

It is sad that there are those who wish them ill besides the gop who tried to defund them. But, President Obama put a stop to that.

Thank you so much for this awesome post.

[Cha]

7. Planned Parenthood made the right choice.. that's for sure!

[oasis]

31. Exactly Cha. In today's political climate, PP could not risk having

the White House fall into the hands of the GOP.

[Cha]

44. Hillary's always been there for them.. they know they have a Fighter and a Winner.

She has an incredible history of fighting for women's rights!

oasis

[liberalnarb]

40. I thought it was a terrible idea.

Why snub the other people who have been avid supporters of your cause. What worries me the most is how detrimental this endorsement will be to PP.

[SusanCalvin]

58. Really.

And then all the posts here about how PP "couldn't take a chance." Huh????? Hillary is not guaranteed the nomination, no matter how much PP and DWS get behind her and push.

[rhett o rick]

134. Their divisive endorsement for purely political reasons will further divide the Party and hurt

our chances in the General. The more and more dirty tricks pulled by the Clinton campaign will only further alienate Democrats. The fact that this was a quid pro quo move emphasizes the need we have for change in our corrupt big money run government.

[MuseRider]

8. While I do not agree with their

endorsement and would rather they had not, it was not my call.

Still. To punish women, and calling back donations and stopping them for PP, is just an outrageous way to show you do not agree.

Not all women agree with this and even if they do they should go without health care because this organization is supporting a woman who you don't a)agree with b) don't care for or c) whatever reason you may have?

I believe this is going way to far. To punish women, especially those of little means, is not the way to deal with this. You deal with this by dealing with it. It is an endorsement. When was the last time any of you have gone with a candidate because of an endorsement? Chances are very few of those who do not follow politics or elections like we do will give it a second thought.

I cannot believe people will throw all of us under the bus because of this. Is ideology so strong that you would be cruel just because of it?

Seriously, PP is the only way many many women have access to care.

EDIT to add, I bet Bernie Sanders and Jane Sanders donate to them and I cannot in any way imagine he or Jane would pull their support because of this.

[BainsBane]

9. Thanks for that

You make important points.

I also have to wonder what ideology would justify such a reaction.

[MuseRider]

11. You are welcome.

It is a horrible thing to see. I just added an edit saying that I bet Bernie and Jane Sanders would not stop their donations because of this. THINK people before you react.

As biased as I am I would have been a little taken aback if they had endorsed Bernie. Not because I don't think he is every bit the supporter Hillary is but because there is a woman running. I don't support her but I understand why women do and I understand the need for women to move up in the country and support each other.

I don't know why this is so hard?

[Gloria]

95. Totally agree

Punishing women sounds oh so Republican...

[cali]

10. I have supported PP for years. That remains unchanged. I simply do not support Hillary.

[William769]

12. Kick & highly recommended!

[Starry Messenger]

13. k&r

[mcar]

14. K&R

Excellent OP!

[SoLeftIAmRight]

15. No No No - They should be punished for failing to endorse him

If they must - they should have endorsed all Dems

Big blunder singling out Hillary

[JTFrog]

18. "They should be punished"

Are you kidding me?

The people that will be punished are the people who need PP's services. People who have no say in who PP endorses. Most notibly poor women. But did you know that PP also has services for men? Some of the services include checkups for reproductive or sexual health problems; colon, prostate, and testicular cancer screenings; condoms; vasectomy; erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation services, including education, exams, treatment; general health care and routine physical exams; infertility screening and STD testing and treatment; urinary tract infections testing and treatment. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/men#sthash.L2NhtGUM.dpuf

This isn't going to hurt Hillary, which is pretty much the main goal of those going after PP here on DU.

Threatening to stop supporting or donating is absolutely pathetic.

[SoLeftIAmRight]

22. I was quoting from the OP - that is not my opinion

I as pissed but I will still advocate for them

[dragonfly301]

16. Cecile Richards

I always considered Cecile Richards to be highly intelligent, so I doubt that she made the decision to have PP endorse HRC this early without considering the possible financial backlash. I can only assume that the Clinton's reassured PP that they would make up for any financial loss. The bigger question in my mind though, is how desperate is the Clinton campaign that they feel the need for this endorsement at this time.

[SusanCalvin]

60. Bingo, I bet. nt

[Nyan]

72. I doubt average voters pay much attention to endorsements though

They are getting desperate that's for sure.
But I doubt they'll turn this around by getting endorsements from anyone.
Unless perhaps, that person is Liz Warren.

[questionseverything]

103. you said

I can only assume that the Clinton's reassured PP that they would make up for any financial loss.

/////////////////////

is that not the definition of quid pro qua?

[dragonfly301]

111. call it what you want

but I highly doubt that Cecile Richards went into this without a Plan B to cover the financial backlash. Richards and Clinton are the consummate politicians, the pros and cons of this endorsement and the timing of it, I'm sure was deliberated behind the scenes for a good length of time. Which leads me to wonder - just how bleak are things in the Clinton campaign?

[questionseverything]

113. pretty darn bleak

i will always support pp but i now will question their leadership

i actually feel better about things now....afterall hc has all the money in the world so no need for peasants like me to worry about pp's funding

thanks

[dragonfly301]

124. Right - all the donations that have been cancelled by us small donors

probably only equal 2 of Hillary's speaking fees.

[Hekate]

17. I stand with Planned Parenthood. ALWAYS. What is happening at DU is shameful.

Quite possibly the organization I shouldn't be standing up for is DU.

[JTFrog]

21. ^^^^^THIS^^^^^ n/t

[eggplant]

19. There are other places to give money that are just as important for women.

Planned Parenthood is a very good organization, but injecting themselves into the primary is uncalled for and is a needless distraction from the issues.

I choose to give my money locally via http://www.fundabortionnow.org/

It means that I can feel good that my money is having an immediate, direct, and positive effect on women and families near to me. As valuable as PP may be for long term political lobbying, it doesn't help women in crisis *today*.

[dragonfly301]

23. thanks for the link

I agree with you - PP is not the only organization that helps women.

[sufrommich]

24. Fund Abortion Now is not even the same type

of organization as PP. I realize we all look alike to some but these organizations aren't comparable in the least. I doubt that anyone at FAN would be happy with being used as an excuse to harm PP.

[eggplant]

90. I never said they were the same.

Many people are unaware of the existence of NNAF. Many people are unhappy giving money to PP because of their endorsement of HRC.

My post was specifically intended to make people aware of alternate places to give to -- places that directly help women.

I fail to understand how educating people to additional worthy causes could be seen in some negative way.

[Dale Neiburg]

66. What I'm most alarmed at

is that so many progressives seem to have fallen for the RW propaganda that abortion (and of course the imaginary "selling baby parts&quot is all that PP does. Nothing against FAN, but they don't involve themselves in cancer screening or any of the rest of the 97% abortion-unrelated services that PP provides.

And notice that FAN only helps with funding. Not much good if you can't find a provider -- which they aren't.

(That said, FAN deserves support too.)

[eggplant]

88. Yea, except they DO help you find a provider.

And help you to arrange travel there, even out of state.

And no, I haven't fallen for the RW propaganda. I have been a supporter of PP for decades.

If it is ok to criticize the President yet still call oneself a Democrat, then it should be ok to criticize PP and still support them.

[Dale Neiburg]

110. That seems to vary with the chapter:

As best I can tell, the Washington, DC chapter is as you say, and can help with contraception at least.

Maryland doesn't say whether they can help with referral, but will pay only providers located in Maryland.

Iowa implies that they provide abortion assistance only, don't say whether it must be in-state, but seem to require you to have located a provider before you contact them.

North Carolina emphasizes that you must not only know where you will have the procedure, but must actually make an appointment before contacting them.

But cancer screening, pre-natal care, and STDs don't seem to get help at all. Again -- not to knock FAN, but they don't begin to match PP.

(I wasn't aware of FAN until this thread began, and will definitely contribute for what they do provide.)

[eggplant]

117. "not to knock FAN"

Then stop doing so. They are very clear of their mission. You could make the counter argument that PP doesn't provide the services that NNAF does. And, actually, that was the point of my original post -- to inform people of beneficial services they might not otherwise know about.

And to respond to your particulars, the groups in NY will help people travel from out-of-state specifically to give them access to late term abortion.

[BooScout]

20. Absolutely Brilliant Post!

Eloquently stated!

[davidthegnome]

25. I don't care who they endorse for office.

It shouldn't be that big of a deal, either (their choice of candidate). What it comes down to is who the people are going to vote for. Sanders is not an enemy to planned parenthood - far from it, most of us Sanders supporters ARE standing up for equal rights - and have, for quite some time, as has the candidate himself.

Why it's necessary that we bicker about this I don't know. Neither Sanders, nor his campaign, nor any of his supporters (that I am familiar with) are joining the gop war on women. Also, none of these groups or individuals are known to be opponents of equal rights. Never has this been so with Sanders, the implications of this OP are inaccurate. Is there a small number of Sanders supporters who might be opponents to Planned Parenthood and equal rights? Sure. There's likely a number of Clinton supporters who are the same. This does not, in any way, indicate blame or justified accusation against either of our candidates.

Progressives are not making a target of planned parenthood - that is not what progressives do. Some may argue with the endorsement of Clinton - but there is no movement among legitimate progressives or liberals (Sanders supporters or otherwise) to denounce, destroy, defund, or otherwise harm Planned Parenthood.

Not sure why I'm making this post, I guess I'm just tired of the back and forth. We're on the same side. Whether Clinton wins the nomination or Sanders wins the nomination - both of these candidates support planned parenthood and equal rights. Their supporters, in supporting them (and in, ultimately, voting for them) are also supporting these worthy causes.

I will vote for who ever wins the nomination among the democrats. I support Sanders - AND planned parenthood - AND equal rights for our own people and for the human race. I am not an enemy to Clinton, or any of the worthy causes she supports.

Why on earth should it be otherwise? Can't we just stick with the facts? Let's look at the voting records, at the policies, at their actions in the past. What have these two candidates done? Why should we vote for one over another? Both are supportive of many progressive and worthy causes. Either one would be immensely, stupendously, wonderfully, incredibly better than any one of these clowns on the right.

We should unite - at least in the fact that we're on the same side, that we have two worthy candidates, either one being worthy of our votes, that preventing a Trump (or Rubio, or Cruz, or/insert moron) Presidency is pretty damned important.

Our enemies are on the other side of the darn fence. Our ideological opponents would happily defund planned parenthood, work to undo years of work on the civil rights front, shut down progressive and liberal movements, eliminate funding for education, for infrastructure, for welfare, for food for the needy, for so many damned things. These are the people we should be worrying about, rather than pointing fingers at each other.

I don't see why I can't support all of these things at once and still be a Sanders supporter. I don't see why we can't all do these things, regardless of our preferred nominee.

We'll win or lose together. Frankly, I believe we're going to win. We are more on the side of progress, of right, of compassion for humanity.. than we have ever been before. This is a movement, an awakening, a gradual enlightening of Americans and of the people of the world that shows me... progress is being made - and will continue to be made. We can only be defeated, ultimately, if we defeat ourselves.

[MrChuck]

27. The spin in this statement is dizzying.

Implying that the ire of progressives over this premature endorsement is based on "not endorsing Sanders" or however it's phrased in the above is simply ridiculous.
I would have thought it very strange for PP to endorse Sanders or O'Malley for that matter. I just certainly did not expect ANY endorsement at this time.
I think highly of all the democratic candidates although I have my favorite. I just think that an organization that stands to benefit from ANY democratic president is foolish to endorse a candidate in the primary. it is divisive and reeks of corruption.

[Vattel]

28. Too much drama IMHO. No organization is above criticism,

and I haven't seen any suggestion by Bernie supporters that PP should be dismantled. Same with Black Lives Matter. The importance of their cause does not mean that they should never be criticized. Personally, their endorsement of Clinton is not a big deal for me, but I can understand why some find it to be inappropriate for an organization of that sort. I am not losing sleep over the endorsement or the criticisms.

[geek tragedy]

33. a lot of childish assholes are encouraging donors to 'defund Planned Parenthood' over this.

There's a thread on the greatest page to that effect.

[Vattel]

38. That does seem like a gross overreaction.

[geek tragedy]

43. especially since PP itself doesn't donate to Clinton or endorse her, it's their PAC that does.

donations to PP go to providing health services for women.

[Vattel]

47. Good point.

[comradebillyboy]

85. Back in the days when I was a corporate employee

my company's PAC donations came from individual employee contributions. When I was a union member my union's PAC contributions came from union dues, from the members. Individual employees in an organization are organization's PAC contributors. These are not unlimited super-PACs after all.

[bigwillq]

29. I stand with PP.

Last edited Sat Jan 9, 2016, 02:46 PM - Edit history (1)

I care little about which candidate they endorse. I am voting for someone else but their endorsement of HRC doesn't change my opinion of PP. PP offers vital resources for those who choose to use their services, and that is a good thing.

[BainsBane]

35. Thank you

Glad to see you've got your priorities straight.

[mountain grammy]

30. Oh give me a break already...

Like me, most Bernie supporters will continue to back PP and you know it! I'm very unhappy about this and think PP absolutely should've waited until we have a nominee, since all of our candidates support PP. PP probably won't get anyone to change their mind and it just gives Hillary supporters another thing to beat us over the head with.... Which is exactly what you're doing here... Enough already!

[azmom]

34. They should have thought of that

Before endorsing a candidate. It was a bad decision on their part.

[SunSeeker]

83. Why punish PP by depriving poor women of desperately needed healthcare?

Do you really think some Sanders supporters are that heartless and petulant? Apparently PP did not.

[azmom]

107. It was a calculated political decision.

They should have known better than to play politics with such a worthwhile organization. Too bad.

[SunSeeker]

118. I think it is safe to assume Bernie supporters most upset about this never funded PP.

[azmom]

119. If they didn't before, they sure as hell won't now.

Too bad.

[SunSeeker]

120. Comments like that prove PP PAC picked the right candidate to endorse. nt

[joshcryer]

122. Had that same thought.

Does anyone think PP is sweating the decision with this overblown insane reaction?

[liberalnarb]

37. I stand with PP

No matter what. But I also stand with my opinion that any primary endorsement is a terrible idea.

[Spazito]

42. Well said! n/t

[HassleCat]

45. Let's stand by them

Even though they were foolish to prematurely endorse a presidential candidate, thereby drawing unwanted attention to themselves at the wrong time, we should continue to support them and the work they do.

[Betty Karlson]

46. If PP doesn't stand with all Democrats during the primaries, it cannot expect

- or even demand - that all Democrats stand with them during the primaries. This was a big error of judghement on the part of PP. The chic way to correctthe error is to admit they were wrong, retract their endorsement of Clinton, and instead endorse all Democrats.

[earthside]

69. If PP wants to play politics ...

... then they have to accept the consequences.

I don't blame some people for reconsidering their PP contributions -- that's is politics and real life.

Of course, Planned Parenthood can now expect the Repuglicans to add partisan political organization to their reasons to defund -- and that charge now has some credibility.

Stupid move by Planned Parenthood (or their Action Committee ... 80 percent of Americans will not know the difference anyway).

[BainsBane]

78. Endorse all Democrats in primaries?

What does that even mean? That's not an endorsement at all. Anyone who isn't comatose know they support Democrats over Republicans. The Party Platforms are reason enough for that. In the primary contest, they chose to endorse the candidate who has proactively defended them from attacks by the right. Bernie has not done that, and the reaction by his supporters demonstrate that they do not see the communities or causes served by Planned Parenthood as a priority.

Black Lives Matter, most of the unions in the country, NARAL, the Human Rights Campaign, and Emily's List are now joined by Planned Parenthood among the list of organizations they have targeted. Who people target as enemies says a great deal about what they value. I don't even know what they think they are fighting for at this point, but they have marshalled their energies against those groups that serve the most exploited and most vulnerable among us.

[Blue State Bandit]

48. "Failing to prioritize"? How about "Choosing to prioritize"?

"I don't care much who anyone supports for the nomination, but when Planned Parenthood is targeted because they failed to prioritize the electoral prospects of a particular member of the political elite, an indelible line in the sand is drawn."

Since when did PP get involved in Democratic Primary endorsements? Why do you think PP never made primary endorsements in the past?

But your points that &quot We) share the right's enemies list" or "Joining the GOP War on Women" is nothing but blather and bluster; red meat in an attempt to drive the spike further, just like a republican.

It is disgusting that a few of Hillary's friends would jeopardize the storied 100 year reputation and solid grassroot financial support of Planned Parenthood by sticking their thumbs in half the democratic party's face.

I'm willing to put green money on local PP operations making their own endorsements in the coming weeks.

[SusanCalvin]

73. "sticking their thumbs in half the democratic party's face"

Yep. What did they think was going to happen? *Did* they think?

1. I would also have been angry and baffled if they had endorsed Bernie or Martin.

2. I will vote for, work for, and donate to the eventual nominee of the Democratic Party. Right now there isn't one, and no one is guaranteed it.

3. This is hopefully just a blip, but it is nevertheless not insignificant. Saying "oh well" to stuff like this without speaking up, for a while at least, can make one look like a patsy.

4. Of course I still support PP the service organization.

[PowerToThePeople]

49. I agree with you

I stand with planned parenthood, but can not support them at this time due to their endorsement of Hillary. Similarly, I stopped supporting NARAL. That gives me a sad.

Next mid November I will make a donation to them.

[fbc]

51. Whoever made this endorsement should be fired.

Planned Parenthood isn't getting enough flack from conservatives right now so they decide to try and split their support among democrats?

What a moronic move. Whoever is responsible should be fired. They have failed in the stewardship.

There should be an immediate investigation to find out how this decision was made. They are risking the health of women to play politics.

[George II]

52. I seriously doubt that it was one person. And, if there is a "split among Democrats" (capital D!)..

...its not the fault of Planned Parenthood, it's the fault of partisan supporters of the candidate who didn't get the endorsement.

[Proserpina]

55. Yes, but you know it will never happen

The 1% protect each other, until they start eating each other....and this was a 1% decision, all the way.

[emulatorloo]

63. That's true, Planned Parenthood only provides low cost healthcare to the 1%

[Proserpina]

71. Planned Parenthood treats the 99% as feedstock, a reason to exist

It's the psychic rewards of the leadership class that we are discussing here, the perks and privileges, cronyism and rewards.

It's much like the way people would complain about their union leadership. The unions existed for good and populist reasons, but the leadership got fat and lazy and disrespectful of the union members. And look where unions are today...barely surviving in the worst economy since 1929.


Ethics is not just window-dressing. It is the only thing that stands between a populist organization and the wolves. Endorsing anyone is unethical, prima facie, for Planned Parenthood.

Corporations can dispense with ethics because they do not need popular support...or so they think. Corporations think they have bought the political system, lock, stock and barrel, Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

The Corporations and the Banks are due for some shocking revelations. They've already gotten a taste of that in the past few years of crisis. Meanwhile, Hillary corrupts the non-profits...

[emulatorloo]

77. "Planned Parenthood treats the 99% as Feedstock"

What a horrible and misguided statement. I can only conclude that you don't know a damn thing about the work of Planned Parenthood. You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but not your own set 'facts.'

[Proserpina]

79. Do you know the difference between the 1% Management and the 99% worker bees and customers?

[HeartoftheMidwest]

96. I began digging to see if there might be a "1%" reason behind the endorsement, which IS a bit...

premature.

I love and admire Cecile Richards, having heard her speak eloquently to the issues now for several years.
I did NOT know that her most recently reported annual salary ( 2013-2014 ) was approximately $ 591,000.
I don't doubt that she works hard for it, but it seems a bit excessive to me.

Is it possible that PP PAC backs the candidate that protects the financial interests of the ADMINISTRATORS of PP?
Seems a legitimate question.

[oasis]

68. "split their support among democrats"?

Capital D, "real" Democrats will continue to support Planned Parenthood.

[zentrum]

54. Since there is a

….broad base of support for PP, they made a serious political error in endorsing one candidate over another so early in the election cycle.

Should have waited until after the primaries and then endorsed whatever Democratic candidate prevailed.

They are the ones who politicized their organization and I'm mad as hell at them. They should not take sides for one Democrat against another.

Their first mission is medical not political, and this endorsement arouses distrust and risks polarization. Stupid.

[niyad]

62. k and r

[BlueCaliDem]

65. In the time before ObamaCare, Planned Parenthood was there for my daughter in her difficult time.

I stand with them 110%.

[seabeyond]

67. This is like beyond stupid to attack an endorser. I have not seen anything like it. Dems, all

our candidates. (Since I like being accurate, I cannot really say that, this primary. We do not have all Dems, but generally it is an all Dem race). Who cares if one dem prefers another.

I have to ask, why is it so easy to go after our women and women groups. To trash so easily with no hesitation?

Misogyny, pure and simple. All I can figure is that those of us that were speaking out about the exclusion of women at the beginning of this campaign, are just continually proved right.

That PP knew what they were doing supporting Clinton.

The confirmation that has been repeatedly given to us.

[Hiraeth]

75. "The confirmation that has been repeatedly given to us."

WE HAVE BEEN ASSIMILATED

[Skidmore]

70. Absolutely!

Nothing else beyond this needs to be said. There is nothing progressive about direction the Sanders campaign has taken and waiting for the candidate to give other than a nod to this by his silence speakes volumes.

When "progressives" target an organization that has worked for the reproductive rights of women for many decades, their priorities are made clear. It's not enough to openly court the votes of anti-choice advocates, but now they they share the right's enemies list: First Black Lives Matter, then one union after another, Emily's List, and now Planned Parenthood. Why people claim to justify that opposition matters far less than the fact they are actively working to undermine them.

[Jamaal510]

97. +1

[Iliyah]

76. Well written BB

RWer's attack on PP is deplorable, and now so called progressives are carrying RW's water as well. We do live in strange times.

[BainsBane]

80. It's unfathomable

I can't help wondering what else we'll see before this campaign is over. It just keeps getting worse and worse.

[MADem]

81. I suspect that many of the people who are insisting

that they won't give one more dime to PP have never given them a dime in the first place.

PP will be OK. That said, it's a good cause, and it is good of you to provide the link to their website for donations and I encourage people to click that link and give them a contribution.

They provide so much screening service to underserved communities and people who are facing economic hardship, and they've saved countless lives. To withhold a donation over an endorsement of a DEMOCRATIC candidate is frankly, absurd.

[BainsBane]

149. I tend to think you're right

I hope so anyway.

[one_voice]

84. This subject is very important to me...

it goes beyond political candidates.

Your anger is being directed at the wrong people. I will not say that people don't have a right to be angry, that's not my place. What I will say is they're actions are hurting/will hurt vulnerable women. Those people that they supposedly care about.

My niece became pregnant and tried to abort on her own--you can see this thread. http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024558500

As stated in the thread she's bi-bolar. She got pregnant again. This time she went to planned parenthood, early, and terminated safely. She's on medication for her bi-bolar (family doc) and birth control (pp).

When my daughter was in college my husband lost his job and health care. She went to pp for her routine care and birth control.

I have many other stories where PP has affected people I know and without them I don't know what they would have done. Mostly for family planning and routine care.

It really bothers me to see people basically say fuck them we need to punish pp.

Planned Parenthood isn't Bank of America or GE. They serve poor women. This isn't just a women's issue. It's an economical issue.

Poor people, women and poc are all under attack from the right. We should have to fight in our own house.

For the record, I don't appreciate being told to shut up or get with the program either. Last I looked I was on a democratic site and we don't do that shit.

[Cary]

89. Nice post. Thanks.

[raindaddy]

91. Planned Parenthood just inserted themselves into Democratic party politics

Is Bernie's candidacy is more important than Planned Parenthood??? Apparently the decision makers down at Planned Parenthood believed that Hillary's candidacy was so much more important than Bernie's they were willing to step out on a limb and it's a mighty thin branch. If I were an PP employee I'd be questioning the wisdom of that decision.

It makes no sense for the organization to choose a democrat before the general election. Why risk alienating Sanders supporters who have also been supporters of Planned Parenthood? Especially at a time when they're under attack. This smacks of political cronyism. Given all of the bull shit coming out of the DNC I can see why Sanders supporters are fed up with the corrupt establishment...

[Cary]

92. Thanks. The "I am taking my bat and ball and going home because I didn't get my way" is telling.

I am going to double my PP donation. No, triple it if I can. I ought to cancel our a mope or two.

[BumRushDaShow]

93. K&R 'cause that's how DU rolls nowadays. nt

[blackspade]

94. Again, this is not a zero sum game.

PP fucked up with this endorsement and they will have to suffer the political fallout from entering into a divisive primary and an extremely polarized election cycle.
By not keeping their politics squarely on maintaining their Federal funding and support they effectively given up their high ground.
Instead they have turned themselves into a football to be batted around by both parties and their candidates.

[BainsBane]

98. It certainly provided an opportunity

For the campaigns and some of their supporters to demonstrate their values. I am more confident than ever that I am supporting the right candidate. Never in a million years would I want to be part of a an effort to use the lives of the nation's most vulnerable citizens as revenge for,political endorsement. Clearly it is a zero sum game. It's Sanders political fortunes above all else. Encouraging people to stop funding PP and instead send money to the Sanders campaign is awful. 50 million dollars plus isn't enough; they advocate redirecting resources from poor women to promote his career. I cannot begin to understand what enables people to justify such a thing, but I thank God I will never be faced with having to cast a vote for him.

Sanders political fortunes are not a cause, and when people target services for the vulnerable they show their values to be antithetical to the Democratic party, liberalism, leftism, or anything of any redeeming social value. When people defend Trump and attack Planned Parenthood, they forsake any pretext of standing for economic or social justice.

[blackspade]

100. This is only about values to those that have a myopic view of politics.

The backlash here is not about 'values' but rather the political idiocy of alienating, for no good reason, Democrats that support other candidates as well as those of other political persuasions that have been supporters of PP in the past.
Why would anyone not in the Clinton camp want to donate money to an organization that will then turn around and give the money to Clinton rather than use it to further it's political support at the local, state, and Federal level?
It's a poor political strategy at a time when PP is under siege by some of the most anti-women demagogues in my lifetime.

That you are blind to this political reality is not surprising.

[Jamaal510]

99. Lashing

out against Planned Parenthood says more about the posters doing it than about PP itself. Supposed Democrats/progressives who come out against PP for this one endorsement seem to have adopted a fundamentalist view, where essentially anyone who doesn't fully adhere to their political perspective is either the enemy or unable to think for themselves. Planned Parenthood, BLM, various left-leaning politicians and celebrity figures, etc. have been targets despite them sharing goals of the Democratic Party and the Political Left. As a 25 year old Democrat, this 2016 campaign season has been revealing.

[MineralMan]

101. I make up my own mind about political candidates.

That an organization endorses a candidate has zero impact on my support. Planned Parenthood has been standing for reproductive rights for women in it's current form for over 50 years. As a man, I have not used the organizations services, although they do provide services for men. However, many of the women, young and old, I've been close to have used their services for a wide range of reproductive health services.

I have supported PP since the mid 1960s, financially, and by serving as an escort during protests. I will continue to do so, regardless of their support or non-support of political candidates. I support PP because of what they do for women, and for no other reason.

An endorsement from any organization is simply a matter of who that organization things will do the best job in support of the organization's goals. It's often a complicated decision, and is not simply based on whether that organization likes a candidate or any other factor. Organizations endorse candidates because they believe those candidates will support their goals. That's it.

If I withdrew my support from PP because they had endorsed a candidate I personally did not support, I would be going against my own personal ethics. I support organizations for the work they do, and for that reason alone. My support is not dependent on who they endorse for election in any way.

I support PP's goals. I will continue to support the organization as much as I am able. That will not change.

Those who threaten to withhold support from this organization over their endorsement of Hillary Clinton are either shortsighted or not really supporters of the organization's goals.

[RandySF]

102. When the nomination process has sorted out

we will see a melting away of a lot of people who popped into the party to support a specific candidate. They will shrink back into their bubble and Reddit boards and true Democrats and other progressives who supported all three candidates will stand behind Planned Parenthood and its mission.

[LiberalArkie]

104. Sanders Statement on Planned Parenthood

Sanders Statement on Planned Parenthood
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
As Senate Republicans pushed for a vote on legislation to defund Planned Parenthood, Sen. Bernie Sanders issued the following statement:

“The attempt by Senate Republicans to cut off support for Planned Parenthood is an attack on women’s health. Stripping funding for Planned Parenthood would punish the 2.7 million Americans, especially low-income women, who rely on its clinics for affordable, quality health care services including cancer prevention, STI and HIV testing and general primary health care services.

“The current attempt to discredit Planned Parenthood is part of a long-term smear campaign by people who want to deny women in this country the right to control their own bodies.

“Let’s be clear: Federal funding for Planned Parenthood does not pay for abortions. The vast majority of government funding that Planned Parenthood receives is through Medicaid reimbursements. Cutting that funding will be devastating to the health needs of millions of women who desperately need the quality services Planned Parenthood provides."

http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/sanders-statement-on-planned-parenthood

[LiberalArkie]

105. Bernie Sanders: I 'will defend' Planned Parenthood, there's no selling of fetuses

In an interview set to air on Univision on Sunday, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said he absolutely stands by Planned Parenthood and thinks there should be no doubt he can defeat Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton in the primary season.

When asked by host Jorge Ramos about the undercover videos showing biomedical clinics offering to compensate Planned Parenthood for aborted fetal organs, Sanders admitted he had not watched the videos. But he still supports the abortion giant and its clinics across the country.

"They're not selling fetuses," Sanders said. "And this is something, I think the tone of that discussion was unfortunate. But if the question is, do I support Planned Parenthood? I absolutely do. ... I will defend Planned Parenthood. I think a lot of this attack, to be honest with you, comes from people who simply do not believe that a woman should have a right to control her own body. That's the motive."

Sanders, a socialist who decided to run under the Democratic Party's banner for 2016, also said he's open to legalizing marijuana and would consider eliminating visa categories for immigrants but not entirely opening the nation's borders.

Snip

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/bernie-sanders-i-will-defend-planned-parenthood-theres-no-selling-of-fetuses/article/2569399

[LiberalArkie]

106. Bernie Sanders: GOP Efforts To Defund Planned Parenthood 'An Attack On Women's Health'

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) blasted Senate Republicans Wednesday for working to defund Planned Parenthood, calling it "an attack on women's health."

“The current attempt to discredit Planned Parenthood is part of a long-term smear campaign by people who want to deny women in this country the right to control their own bodies," Sanders said in a statement.

Republicans unveiled legislation to defund Planned Parenthood on Tuesday, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) fast-tracked the legislation the same day. If the Senate votes on a procedural motion to advance the bill, it could get a final vote before lawmakers leave for August recess.

The move was prompted by heavily edited undercover footage posted earlier this month by the anti-abortion group Center for Medical Progress, which purports to show Planned Parenthood doctors discussing the illegal sale of fetal body parts after abortions.

Snip

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/bernie-sanders-planned-parenthood_55b8f386e4b0074ba5a6fe60

[SunSeeker]

123. And yet some of his supporters are promising to do just that.

In their petulant snit over the PP PAC endorsing Hillary, they are vowing to stop funding PP.

[Cali_Democrat]

128. Exactly. nt

[Gothmog]

108. I stand with Planned Parenthood

[Voice for Peace]

114. Aw jeez ffs

"Bernie's career"

Who is this uninformed person?

[oasis]

115. Planned Parenthood should have the support of all "real" Democrats. (eom)

[riversedge]

132. SPOT ON

[rhett o rick]

135. I will continue my support and my volunteering there but I will fight to get those in their

leadership replaced. This was a purely political quid pro quo move that will divide the party further and it puts women's health care at risk.

[oasis]

137. Thanks for volunteering at PP. I don't see how the Democratic

Party will disturbed much from all of this. Some Bernie supporters are understandably disappointed but they will get over it in time.

[rhett o rick]

144. This is corruption. I think you underestimate how much people are fed up with this type of

corruption brought to us by the wealthy 1%. HRC is worth about $50,000,000 and has friends with billions. They think they can buy PP endorsement. They think they can buy the White House.

[oasis]

145. Not enough people see things the way you do in order for any change to occur.

That is, any change on a large scale. I believe, however, that an overwhelming number of Americans believe, as you do, that we operate under a rigged system which favors the rich and powerful. I'm glad Bernie brought much of this to the forefront because it is past time that America performs a critical examination of what's going on.

That said, it's important that we Democrats keep working toward improving conditions for all Americans and adapt an optimistic outlook for the future.

[Sheepshank]

116. I am shocked and dismayed that so many so called progressives....

....Are happy to punch in the face, to hurt and even further demoralize poor women because they don't like who the executives of the clinic endorse. It makes me sick.

[SunSeeker]

121. Indeed. Particularly since the PP PAC endorsed Hillary, not PP. nt

[Thinkingabout]

125. The GOP is doing everything in their power to defund PP.

I would have continues support of PP even if they had endorsed another DNC primary candidate, my first commitment to PP is the services they provide.

[Warren DeMontague]

126. PP's endorsement of Hillary Clinton will not change my support for them, for what it's worth.

I have no problem with it.

[Walk away]

127. My friends and I have always supported Planned Parenthood and I dislike Bernie Sanders as...

a candidate for POTUS. However, if PP had endorsed Bernie I would certainly continue to support them. I believe it shows exactly what kind of people support Bernie when you read the sickening Facebook comments flooding the internet.

I hope most actual Democrats who support Bernie, aren't so bitter that they would turn their back on an organization that has cared for women and families for so long. Hopefully, they are just having a difficult time adjusting to reality and they will reconsider what it means to be a Democrat.

The wonderful thing about Hillary Clinton being our next POTUS is that Planned Parenthood will be a part of her promise to focus on women's health and support of families.

[Number23]

129. A courageous stance. Glad that they are not only not backing down, but that they have clearly named

the source of the problem here.

[boston bean]

130. hell yes to this!

Yet some insist what really matters is not the work PP does but Bernie's career. They should be punished for failing to endorse him. For that vocal minority of Sanders supporters, his political prospects trump the reproductive rights of the women of America, particularly those in rural and poor areas with no other options.

[Number23]

138. Joining an incredibly long and impressive list of liberal organizations, causes and individuals

that have condemned the crap behavior of too many supporters of one particular candidate.

[aikoaiko]

131. I support PP's mission but I don't support their decision to endorse at this point, nor their choice

They can do better.

Is it true that they have not endorsed one Democratic candidate over another before in its long history?

[DemocraticWing]

136. Nobody here is standing against Planned Parenthood

I think they made mistakes in endorsing Clinton. Everybody makes mistakes. Pointing out mistakes does not mean it's an attack or an attempt to undermine.

For instance, Planned Parenthood could very much criticize Hillary at some point if she takes a stand they disagree with, and still remain committed to her candidacy. Criticism does not equal attack, and the blurring of the two is a dishonest distortion and an attempt to silence discussion.

[JTFrog]

139. "Nobody here is standing against Planned Parenthood".

Actually several here are doing exactly that. The threats to withhold donations and calls for people to be fired over this endorsement are plentiful right here on DU.

Calling that out is hardly dishonest or an attempt to "silence" discussion.

[BainsBane]

140. Perhaps you should read some of the responses in this thread.

Calling for an organization to be defunded most certainly is standing against them.

[Cha]

141. KICK!

[calimary]

142. Wonderful post, BainsBane!

Just wonderful!

[BainsBane]

148. Thanks, Calimary.

[betsuni]

143. K&R

[Bernblu]

146. PP made a serious mistake by taking side in a Democratic Campaign where they have the support of

each candidate. What they did was partisan and there was no reason to take this action except for the personal connections of their board members to Hillary. This will weaken their standing among many Sanders' voters. This is just the way it is in politics. If you are a partisan organization you will not get the same level of support from the other side no matter how much good work you do. They did not have to do this. They could have waited until after the Primary.

[ismnotwasm]

151. K&R

[YoungDemCA]

152. Big K&R. I'll add to your excellent OP...

....my observation that there is an implicit notion in the "How dare Planned Parenthood endorse Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination!" outrage that an organization run by and for the benefit of women (and their families, for that matter), that advocates for women's rights and issues, would somehow have some nefarious reason for endorsing - shock, gasp, the horror! - a woman for the nomination of the Democratic Party for POTUS. It's almost as if they want a woman to be President....and they didn't even ask anyone permission to do that! How dare they assert their autonomy as women!

Furthermore, I'll note that some on this very thread are calling this move by PP (more precisely, their PAC) "divisive". Now where have we heard that language before? Oh right: issues of special concern to women (and minorities, for that matter) are considered "divisive" by the dominant culture - and not merely among right-wingers, by any means. Yet this is the same crowd that wants to nominate a self-described Socialist for the nomination (not saying that Socialism is necessarily bad, but in this country? That's not divisive? OK, whatever...) And not just that, but one who outright refuses to identify as a Democrat, who wanted to PRIMARY America's first black President, a Democrat who is beloved by his party and especially African-Americans....again, that's not divisive?

And don't you dare try to tell me that your reaction would be the same if PP's PAC had endorsed Sanders for the nomination. I think we all know what the reality would be in that scenario.

[seabeyond]

153. Ya know. !!!

....my observation that there is an implicit notion in the "How dare Planned Parenthood endorse Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination!" outrage that an organization run by and for the benefit of women (and their families, for that matter), that advocates for women's rights and issues, would somehow have some nefarious reason for endorsing - shock, gasp, the horror! - a woman for the nomination of the Democratic Party for POTUS. It's almost as if they want a woman to be President....and they didn't even ask anyone permission to do that! How dare they assert their autonomy as women!

I hear you young dude. I am having a lot in processing this attack on women, you know, the war on women, within the Democratic party. I do not believe there has ever been a time in my history with the Democratic party, that I have witnessed such an attack on women, in the Democratic party. Bet it is kinda like what the black community felt with the attack on BLM.]]

Excellent point. I have not even addressed this part yet. But, yes, true.

Now, I will continue to read. I love listening to our young men that actually get it. Many say they do, but it does not prove out in conversation, or behavior like dissing PP cause their democratic? candidate did not get an endorsement.

[seabeyond]

154. Thanks for this post. You made me think.

Furthermore, I'll note that some on this very thread are calling this move by PP (more precisely, their PAC) "divisive". Now where have we heard that language before? Oh right: issues of special concern to women (and minorities, for that matter) are considered "divisive" by the dominant culture - and not merely among right-wingers, by any means. Yet this is the same crowd that wants to nominate a self-described Socialist for the nomination (not saying that Socialism is necessarily bad, but in this country? That's not divisive? OK, whatever...) And not just that, but one who outright refuses to identify as a Democrat, who wanted to PRIMARY America's first black President, a Democrat who is beloved by his party and especially African-Americans....again, that's not divisive?

We have heard from Sanders since day one, that social justice issues are wedge issues and that they are used to divide the nation.

This is the area of the conversation I am sitting with. yes.

Plus, really, the ease in trashing the org to such an extent. I feel it is because it is a woman's org, and we so readily trash the women. Look at what is done to DWS, even though Dean admitted it was his policy at 6 debates.

And the bathroom break of our lead candidate.

Oh, and attacking Hillary Clinton for Bill Clinton's behavior. That conversation is getting me right now. We watch men with history being ignored. Their behaviors and choices. Yet, Hillary is attacked for Bills behavior, like it is her responsibility his choices. Even Bill is left alone. It is directed at Clinton.

That one is not going to fly. I am hearing more and more about this as a weapon against the woman that has made good choices in life and been the responsibility party of them all.

Patriarchal culture.

[BainsBane]

155. This is the chart they created showing why they endorsed Clinton

Unfortunately it doesn't copy as a chart so it's easiest to go to the page. http://plannedparenthoodaction.org/elections-politics/blog/how-do-hillary-clinton-and-bernie-sanders-compare-womens-health/

Chart: Hillary Clinton v. Bernie Sanders on Reproductive Health and Rights


Hillary Clinton Bernie Sanders
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Clinton introduced eight pieces of legislation with the clear purpose of expanding and protecting women’s access to reproductive health care. Sanders has consistently co-sponsored and voted for pro-women’s health legislation.
Clinton consistently co-sponsored and voted for pro-women’s health legislation.
GENDER PAY GAP
Clinton introduced the Paycheck Fairness Act in 2005, 2007, and 2009 to address the gender pay gap. Sanders has co-sponsored and consistently voted for legislation aimed at addressing the gender pay gap.
Clinton consistently co-sponsored and voted for legislation aimed at addressing the gender pay gap.
BIRTH CONTROL
Clinton waged a multiyear effort​ — and even blocked the nomination of an FDA head with Sen. Patty Murray — to pass a breakthrough in birth control access: the law that made emergency contraception available over the counter. Sanders has consistently co-sponsored and voted for legislation that expands access to birth control, family planning, and sex education.
Clinton helped launch the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, which supports access to birth control, family planning, and sex education.
Clinton helped beat back a proposal to define birth control (including IUDs) as abortion, saving federal funds for certain medical providers.
Clinton has consistently co-sponsored and voted for legislation that expands access to birth control, family planning, and sex education.
PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Clinton boldly spoke out in support of Planned Parenthood — without prompting — at each of the first three Democratic debates, as well as dozens of times on the campaign trail. Sanders did not mention Planned Parenthood during the first three Democratic debates, but has made supportive statements several times on the campaign trail.
INTERNATIONAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ACCESS
As senator, Clinton introduced the legislation to restore funding to the UN Population Fund. President Bush suspended funding for it, but as secretary of state Clinton helped lead the U.S. in overturning the Bush administration's policy. Sanders voted for the legislation to restore funding to the UN Population Fund, which helps provide family planning, HIV, and maternal health care to millions of low-income people in developing countries around the world.
In an unprecedented move as secretary of state, Clinton launched the federal Office of Global Women's Issues, which aims to integrate women as central partners in decisions about foreign policy.
Clinton started myriad global programs that help women and girls survive extreme hardship in rural areas, as well as enter fields such as business and public service.


Bottom Line: Sanders and Clinton are Both Good on Reproductive Health — But Clinton Pushes Harder

When you see their records side by side, there’s no question why the Planned Parenthood Action Fund endorsed Hillary Clinton for president. She has simply demonstrated the strongest record, clearest leadership, and most focused commitment to women’s health of any presidential candidate.

For anyone who supports Senator Sanders, know we are grateful for his strong record on reproductive rights. This endorsement doesn’t mean we’ll do anything negative about Sanders’ campaign. Instead it means that for the first time in history, we have the chance to help elect someone who’s been fighting to expand reproductive health and rights for decades to the White House, just when we need that kind of champion the most.

- See more at: http://plannedparenthoodaction.org/elections-politics/blog/how-do-hillary-clinton-and-bernie-sanders-compare-womens-health/#sthash.ikQ21rmW.qjkLCQfr.dpuf