Larry Griffin
Planned Parenthood now backs Patrick Murphy in Florida’s race for U.S. senator.
Their endorsement only boosted Murphy’s resolve on fighting for women’s right to choose and health care — two things he said his opponent, Marco Rubio, is against.
“This is an organization that provides vital health care to millions of women across this country,” he said. “While Marco Rubio opposes a woman’s right to choose, voted to defund Planned Parenthood, and has exploited the Zika virus to attack women’s health, I will be a senator who stands with Planned Parenthood to fight for Florida families.”
Numerous Planned Parenthood officials praised Murphy’s stances on women’s health as reasons he would be the best choice for senator, including Planned Parenthood Action Fund president Cecile Richards.
“Patrick Murphy has been a fighter for Florida women, pushing for smart policies to ensure access to affordable birth control and safe, legal abortion,” she said. “Patrick sees the importance of access to reproductive health providers, like Planned Parenthood, to keep Florida women healthy.”
She went on to say Rubio was the exact opposite and was on a “never-ending attack” on women’s health.
Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates Board Member Barbara A. Zdravecky cited the public health crisis of the Zika virus as a more immediate reason women’s health is important in this election.
“As Florida faces the direct threat of Zika virus, we have seen politicians like Marco Rubio put politics before women, attacking the ability of family planning providers to help during a public health crisis,” she said. “Patrick Murphy stands with Planned Parenthood patients, which is why we’re standing with him today.”
