One day after the terrorist attack upon Planned Parenthood, that killed three people in Colorado Springs, Planned Parenthood President, Cecile Richards sent out this email message to millions of the organization’s supporters around the world.
It is heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with the families of the three people whose lives were lost in yesterday's attack at the Planned Parenthood health center in Colorado Springs. We wish those who were injured a quick and complete recovery.
And, we are deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers who responded with courage to protect Planned Parenthood staff, patients, and community members.
I want every Planned Parenthood patient to know: your safety is our top priority. Planned Parenthood health centers have extensive security measures in place, work closely with law enforcement agencies, and have a very strong safety record.
Planned Parenthood health centers opened their doors again today, in Colorado and across the country. As always, patients were welcomed by extraordinary doctors, nurses, and staff. We will never, ever back away from providing safe, reliable care to the millions of patients who are counting on us to be there.
These doors stay open, no matter what.
It's still too soon to know what exactly motivated this attack. We share the concerns of many Americans that extremists are creating a poisonous environment that feeds domestic terrorism in this country. In the days and weeks ahead, we will continue to stand up for Planned Parenthood patients, staff, and the communities they serve — and it means so much to know that you stand with us, ready for whatever comes next.
Like you, I am full of sadness for the people who were harmed in Colorado. I am also full of admiration for what every member of Planned Parenthood's staff do every day — to ensure that people can get the health care they need, and to work toward a day when we no longer see this kind of violence.
At this moment, our hearts are broken, but our commitment is unchanged. Care, no matter what.
Thank you for standing with Planned Parenthood.
Sincerely,
Cecile Richards, President
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
For those still learning about the organization:
Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation's largest provider of sex education. With approximately 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.
Cecile Richards has been the president of Planned Parenthood since 2006, and with every critical attack upon the organization, she seems to become more and more resilient and relentless. A Democrat from Texas, Richards is the daughter of the late former Texas Governor Ann Richards (so we know from where some of that strength is derived). And how grateful so many of us are for her courageous leadership and fortitude—and for the astounding dedication and bravery of the Planned Parenthood doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers around the world.
If you've ever considered supporting Planned Parenthood, there’s no better time than now to get involved and/or contribute. To make a secured online Planned Parenthood donation click here. You can also call 800-798-7092, or mail donations to:
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
PO Box 97166
Washington DC
20077-7543
UPDATE:
Here is a new petition. sent from Planned Parenthood on Monday, with the following message:
On November 27, a gunman opened fired at the Planned Parenthood health center in Colorado Springs. The attack was motivated by opposition to Planned Parenthood and access to abortion — and we know that acts of domestic terrorism do not exist in a vacuum.
We share the concerns of many Americans that extremists are creating a poisonous environment that feeds domestic terrorism in this country. But we will not be intimidated. And we will never, ever back away from providing safe, reliable care to the millions of patients who are counting on Planned Parenthood.
If you are with us, sign on now.
___________________________________________
To those who go to unimaginable extremes to close our doors:
We deplore your violence.
We reject your threats.
We fight your legislation to limit reproductive rights and health care in every corner of our country.
We believe your actions and words hurt women — whether by making it impossible to seek health care or by creating a climate of disrespect and hostility that fosters extremist violence.
We demand an end to the incendiary rhetoric from anti-abortion activists and lawmakers that demonizes Planned Parenthood doctors and patients. The smear campaign and false accusations that motivated the attack in Colorado Springs must stop.
We aren't going anywhere. Planned Parenthood has been here for nearly 100 years, and we will keep being here as long as women, men, and young people need health care with dignity.
To those who go to shocking extremes to close our doors, know this:
These doors stay open.
The battle to defend the reproductive rights of women has gone on for as long as most of us can remember. It’s been a war our foremothers and forefathers fought for us, and one our daughters and sons will most likely continue to fight. And we won’t back down.