The Planned Parenthood Action Fund is the political and advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America: We work in the streets, in the states, and in Washington, DC to advance women's health.

For Immediate Release
July 6, 2004

Contact
Joel Lawson - (202) 973-4880
Steve Smith - (202) 973-4972

Planned Parenthood Applauds Sen. Kerry for Choosing Women's Rights Advocate Edwards as Running Mate

Edwards' pro-choice credentials strengthen Democratic ticket

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF) - the political arm of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America - praised Senator John Kerry, for his selection of a staunchly pro-choice running mate, Senator John Edwards (D-NC).

"With the selection of John Edwards as his running mate, Sen. Kerry has again shown his complete commitment to reproductive rights and access to reproductive health care," PPAF president Gloria Feldt said. "In stark contrast to the current administration, a Kerry-Edwards administration will stand up for the fundamental rights of women both in the United States and around the world and will ensure that women's health is a centerpiece of its agenda."

Sen. Edwards has a 100% pro-choice, pro-family planning, pro-woman voting record in the U.S. Senate. He marked the 30th anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade by stating, "The right to choose is not just about a woman's privacy. It is also about a woman's equality and her personal dignity - her inalienable right to stand as a proud and independent equal in our society. The right to choose is an essential ingredient in the full equality of women."

As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Edwards has been an influential voice of opposition against President Bush's attacks on women's rights and extremist nominations to the federal bench. During his term Edwards cast pro-choice votes on numerous pieces of legislation relating to reproductive health including:

Voting for a bill that would have given women in the military serving overseas the same right to access reproductive health care as women here at home;
Voting against the 2003 federal abortion ban legislation, which was recently ruled unconstitutional because it contained no exception for women's health;
Voting for the Comprehensive Family Planning Package, a combination of bills that would have increased access to family planning and decreased unintended pregnancies;
Voting against Attorney General John Ashcroft's confirmation and against anti-choice Bush judicial nominees including Priscilla Owen and Bill Pryor.

The Planned Parenthood Action Fund endorsed John Kerry for President on April 23, 2004. The announcement marked the first time in the history of the non-partisan, independent Planned Parenthood Action Fund that it had endorsed a candidate in a Presidential race. For more information on the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Planned Parenthood's political programs, go to www.plannedparenthoodvotes.org.

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The Planned Parenthood Action Fund is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The Action Fund engages in educational and electoral activity, including public education campaigns, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy.

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The Planned Parenthood Action Fund exists to ensure that elected officials support policies and programs that help women and their families make responsible choices about family planning and reproductive health. The Planned Parenthood Action Fund is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the political and advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The Action Fund engages in educational end electoral activity including voter education, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy. The Action Fund cannot accept corporate or labor union contributions.