Planned Parenthood Action Fund Endorses Maggie Hassan for U.S. Senate
For Immediate Release: May 31, 2016
Washington, DC - Planned Parenthood Action Fund today announced its endorsement of Governor Maggie Hassan to represent New Hampshire in the U.S. Senate. Governor Hassan is a strong advocate for New Hampshire women and families, and is the only candidate in this race who will protect a woman’s right to safely access critical health services and make her own health decisions.
By contrast, Senator Kelly Ayotte has said she would support Donald Trump, the likely Republican presidential nominee, who has stated he would use the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v Wade and that women who have abortions should be punished. Ayotte has made similar statements in the past about using the Supreme Court to overturn Roe.
The Boston Globe has called New Hampshire’s Senate race “ground zero for women’s issues,” a point echoed by National Journal.
"Planned Parenthood Action Fund is proud to endorse Maggie Hassan for U.S. Senate. From her time in the State Senate to her work as Governor, Maggie has been a tireless advocate for women and families in New Hampshire and across the country," said Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund. "Maggie has always stood up against those who launch baseless attacks against health care providers like Planned Parenthood health centers. Unfortunately, her opponent Senator Kelly Ayotte is fighting to take us backward. Ayotte believes Roe v. Wade should be overturned, supports letting employers deny contraceptive coverage, and has voted over and over to block women's access to critical health services. New Hampshire's women and families deserve better.
"Planned Parenthood is crucial both as a leading provider of affordable primary care services and also as an advocate for the well-being of New Hampshire women and families, and I am extremely proud to receive the endorsement of Planned Parenthood Action Fund," said Governor Maggie Hassan. "I strongly support a woman's right to make her own health care decisions and control her own destiny. When women have to pay more for their health care — including paying out of pocket for contraception — or aren't given the freedom to decide when to start a family, it creates significant economic strain. As Senator, I will continue fighting to protect a woman's fundamental right to make her own health care decisions and to expand economic opportunity for all New Hampshire families."
“New Hampshire women know they can count on Governor Hassan to fight in Washington for sound economic policies like equal pay and paid family leave, while also standing up for the ability of all women to make their own health care decisions without government interference,” said Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund Board Chair Iris Estabrook. “She’s been a champion for Planned Parenthood here in New Hampshire and the often lifesaving preventive care we provide while working to expand access to health care services in our state. We can't afford any more of the damaging policies that Senator Kelly Ayotte promotes — like obstructing a Supreme Court nominee, advocating to overturn Roe v. Wade and voting to cut access to breast cancer screenings.”
While in the State Senate, Governor Hassan voted to protect access to Planned Parenthood’s health centers, repeal New Hampshire’s parental notification law, and expand access to emergency contraception. She continued her record of standing up for women’s health as governor, restoring family planning funds, protecting resources for Planned Parenthood’s health centers, signing the New Hampshire Paycheck Fairness Act, and signing a bipartisan health care expansion plan.
By contrast, Ayotte has:
-
Voted four times to restrict patient access to care at Planned Parenthood health centers (which offer lifesaving breast cancer screenings, HIV tests, and birth control);
-
Voted against two amendments that would have restored patient access to care at Planned Parenthood health centers;
-
Voted for extreme restrictions on abortion that would tie doctor’s hands in the most complex circumstances;
-
Vowed to overturn the Affordable Care Act, which gave access to no-copay birth control to more than 55 million Americans;
-
Opposed funding for women’s health nurse practitioners and the nation’s family planning program.