By endorsing Hillary Clinton, Planned Parenthood could spend campaign money on her behalf. | AP Photo Planned Parenthood to back Clinton

Planned Parenthood Action Fund — the advocacy wing of the group that's become a center of controversy during the 2016 race — is throwing its support behind Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton, starting with a rally in the early-voting state of New Hampshire on Sunday.

It's the first primary endorsement in the politically powerful group's history, and it comes after Clinton has stood behind the organization as it became the target of Republican fire following the release of videos that GOP candidates charged showed discussion of the sale of fetal tissue.


The group's leadership, including President Cecile Richards, has strongly denied that accusation, and Clinton now regularly touts Planned Parenthood — and rails against Republican attempts to defund it — on the campaign trail.

"No other candidate in our nation's history has demonstrated such a strong commitment to women or such a clear record on behalf of women's health and rights," Richards said in a statement. "This is about so much more than Planned Parenthood. Health care for an entire generation is at stake."

Having endorsed, the group could spend campaign money on Clinton's behalf, as well as mobilizing its large email list for the former secretary of state. It plans to spend at least $20 million on the presidential and Senate races, focusing on New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Nevada, the group said.

"As a lifelong Planned Parenthood supporter, I'm honored to have the endorsement of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund," Clinton said. "There has never been a more important election when it comes to women's health and reproductive rights — and Planned Parenthood's patients, providers, and advocates across the country are a crucial line of defense against the dangerous agenda being advanced by every Republican candidate for president."

"This week was a jarring reminder of what's at stake in 2016. For the first time ever, the United States House and Senate passed a bill to defund Planned Parenthood and repeal the Affordable Care Act," she added. "Thankfully, President Obama will exercise his veto power to stop the Republicans from cutting off women, men, and young people from vital health care services at Planned Parenthood — including cancer screenings, well-woman exams, and STI and HIV tests — and taking away health coverage from 18 million people. Any of the Republican candidates will proudly sign that bill into law if they win. We can't let that happen."