ACLU Stands with Planned Parenthood Against Violence and Congressional Defunding Measures

NEW YORK – This week, the U.S. Senate is considering a budget reconciliation bill that includes language to defund Planned Parenthood, a measure that would restrict access to critical reproductive health care for men and women nationwide.

This effort immediately follows the violent attack at a Planned Parenthood health center in Colorado Springs last week, where a gunman opened fire and murdered a police officer and two civilians, while injuring nine more. The day after the shooting, every other Planned Parenthood center in the state and countless other clinics throughout the country remained open to see patients.

The ACLU stands with Planned Parenthood against violence and continued congressional measures to defund the organization. The following statement can be attributed to Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union:

“Only days after a gunman opened fire on a Planned Parenthood health center in Colorado Springs, killing three people and injuring nine others, Congress is once again attempting to defund the organization.

“Our hearts go out to family and loved ones of those killed and injured at the Colorado clinic. This was an unspeakable tragedy that was meant to strike fear in the hearts of women who need abortions and the dedicated professionals who provide it. The ACLU proudly supports Planned Parenthood and its brave staff who come to work every day, sometimes in the face of tremendous hostility and danger, to provide healthcare to millions of women across the country every year.

“That Congress would continue its ideologically driven efforts to double down on Planned Parenthood in the wake of the tragedy in Colorado Springs is shameful.”