Planned Parenthood will fight to keep its health centers open as President-elect Donald Trump takes office, the group’s president said Wednesday.
The women’s health and abortion provider is likely to face immense antagonism under a Trump White House, as the victorious Republican had signed a campaign pledge vowing to strip the group of taxpayer dollars.
“The majority of Americans, including Trump’s own voters, support access to health care at Planned Parenthood and want abortion to stay legal and safe,” Cecile Richards said. “We will fight to make sure those rights are protected and that people can still access the care they need. We will not give up, we will not back down, and we will not be silenced.”
Planned Parenthood Action Fund, which spent more money than ever to get Hillary Clinton and other Democrats elected, held off on releasing a statement about the election results until about 10:30 a.m., hours after Clinton conceded the race to Trump.
Richards said there “are almost no words” to capture the threat Trump and GOP victories in the House and Senate pose to the country.
“We cannot allow the acceptance of institutionalized racism, sexism and discrimination to become our new normal,” Richards said.
Republicans in Congress have voted to ban Planned Parenthood from receiving about $500 million in federal funds, which comprise the group’s largest funding stream. Their efforts had been blocked by Democrats, but now they may have a fresh shot at the goal with Trump in the White House.
