Planned Parenthood President Talks Tragedy, Disruptive Rhetoric During Valley Visit

The president of Planned Parenthood visits the Valley during a tense and tragic time for the organization.

Despite violence and protests against Planned Parenthood around the country, officials shared optimism about the resiliency of clinic workers, and the future of women’s health in the Valley and beyond.
 
It has been a difficult week for everyone associated with Planned Parenthood after a shooting rampage at a Colorado Clinic.
 
“Our hearts are scarred permanently by what happened in Colorado Springs”, says Planned Parent Regional President Sarah Stoesz.
 
Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards’ trip to the valley has taken on a new meaning…reassuring women that they can still receive healthcare.
 
“Despite the recent events, we are open, and we are here to serve the folks in this community and all across the country”, Richards says.
 
Richards visited the Moorhead Planned Parenthood clinic with Regional President Sarah Stoesz, before headlining a fundraiser praising local workers, especially after last week’s attack.
 
Richards adds, “I really have been amazed at the resolution of the Planned Parenthood staff, the clinicians who showed up for work Saturday morning and every day since.”
 
They say the violence and protests won’t slow them down as the group prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.
 
Stoesz says, “It’s been a century of a lot of struggle to get to a place where all women have access to all the healthcare that they need, it’s work that’s very, very important and we’re committed to continuing it.”
 
Both Richards and Stoesz say that despite the attacks against Planned Parenthood, positive outpourings of support far outweigh any negative feelings they see towards the organization. In fact, Richards says much of the ill will towards Planned Parenthood comes from a single place.
 
“Well I think most of the angry rhetoric we’re seeing are from people who are running for political office”, she says, “and it’s been discouraging.”
 
What would her message be if she were face-to-face with one of those politicians?
 
“Don’t just use political rhetoric and demonize women, women’s healthcare providers”, she says, “without actually knowing what you’re taking about.”
 
Planned Parenthood remains under attack in Washington. The U.S. Senate voted to defund the organization today. North Dakota Senator John Hoeven praised the move, but President Barack Obama has promised to veto the bill if it reaches his desk.