With both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions having reached their conclusion, each party has demonstrated to the electorate where they stand on the issues facing our nation. In this election, more so than any other in recent history, women’s issues have risen to the forefront of the campaigns’ attentions, and it has never been more critical to stand behind the candidates who are standing with women. In this election, that’s President Obama.
When Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards spoke at the DNC, she reminded us of how President Obama has been a faithful ally to women: signing the Lily Ledbetter Act, increasing access to birth control without co-pay, and ensuring no woman will be denied coverage for a pre-existing condition.
These views stand in stark contrast to the Romney-Ryan ticket. Having vowed to “get rid of” Planned Parenthood, to repeal the Affordable Care Act, to restrict women’s access to basic reproductive health care, and to support the overturn of Roe v. Wade, the extreme views of the Republican ticket would hurt women.
While not everyone may agree wholly with the positions of either party, the extreme views of the Romney-Ryan ticket differ vastly from the moderate views of most Americans. A recent poll found that 75% of adults think that even policy makers who oppose abortion should still support birth control. Birth control is a basic, essential part of women’s health care, and the majority of Americans understand that. We need to elect representatives who reflect these views, and value and trust women enough to let them make their own health care decisions. The Republican ticket fails to recognize the vital role contraception plays in a woman’s life, and denying women access to affordable birth control, limits them in other facets of their life.
Planned Parenthood Action Fund has proudly endorsed President Obama for a second term. His steadfast commitment to women ensures women will continue to have access to the essential care they deserve. This November, let’s stand behind the candidate who’s stood with us.
Moira, Web Correspondent, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Datoka