Planned Parenthood has never endorsed in a primary, always remaining impartial- until now.



This year, all three Democratic candidates enjoy 100% ratings from Planned Parenthood. Certainly none are "head and shoulders above the rest."



In a primary where all three candidates have shown exemplary courage and dogged consistency on behalf of a woman's right to choose and access to reproductive health care, it's mind boggling that Planned Parenthood would break precedent to put its finger on the scale for one candidate over the others, long before a single vote is cast. Planned Parenthood by and large is a resource for the poor and working class and Bernie Sanders is the candidate in this race who is a proven fighter for those groups, focused like a laser on improving their economic situation. Indeed, he is supporting legislation in the congress as we speak to provide three months of paid leave for new parents, a move that would vastly improve conditions pertaining to reproductive health for the working class. This legislation has not been endorsed by Planned Parenthood's chosen candidate Hillary Clinton, despite enjoying across-the-board support from progressives in the Senate and the House.



I do not expect Planned Parenthood Action to reverse their decision. But I do expect them to listen to their clients and supporters who have chosen another candidate and to make a public statement acknowledging the good work of those other candidates. This unprecedented endorsement can wrongly lead less informed voters who trust Planned Parenthood to think that there are stark differences between the candidates when it comes to their support of Planned Parenthood and women's health in general. Let's report the real record here so people know that that is not the case.



Additionally, the choice of Planned Parenthood to remain impartial in Democratic primaries has always been appropriate. Now, by choosing sides, they are alienating donors who support other candidates. This is a lose-lose situation since in this instance, we are all allies of the same cause, and a complete surprise to donors who support Bernie Sanders.









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