Nineteen Senate Democrats have introduced a resolution recognizing Planned Parenthood on the eve of the group’s 100th anniversary.
The resolution, spearheaded by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., praises the women’s health and abortion provider for leading significant changes in women’s health and civil rights, being at the forefront of social change and playing a major role in increasing access to abortion, contraception and sex education.
It also calls for an end of efforts to strip federal funds from the group, which Republicans in Congress tried hard to do last year before being blocked by Senate Democrats.
The resolution “affirms that Planned Parenthood remains an essential thread in the fabric of society, and it will be key in the next century to assisting millions of women, men and young people in accessing the healthcare they need and deserve, no matter who they are or where they live.”
Planned Parenthood celebrated its centennial in June with a gala in Washington featuring the singer Kesha and comedian Cameron Esposito. The group will officially turn 100 years old on Oct. 16. Some abortion foes say they plan to protest at Planned Parenthood clinics on Oct. 15.
Wyden said Thursday morning that he will continue to rebuff GOP efforts to defund and attack Planned Parenthood.
“From Portland, Ore., to Portland, Maine, this country is healthier because of Planned Parenthood,” Wyden said. “My Democratic colleagues and I are going to keep working to make sure this bedrock health provider can keep serving people for the next 100 years.”
