Planned Parenthood backs Jeff Merkley!

Posted by Carla Axtman on April 11, 2008

The pro-choice advocacy group Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon has endorsed Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate.

Jeff's 100% voting record on choice as an Oregon legislator took center stage for the group's backing. Planned Parenthood knows that Jeff will take that same advocacy and fight to the U.S. Senate.

Jeff Merkley has been a tireless advocate for reproductive rights in the legislature, fighting to expand access to affordable birth control and ensuring rape victims have access to emergency contraception.

By contrast, Gordon Smith continues to vote against choice. He's voted against resolutions trying to protect Roe v. Wade. Smith also voted for a resolution denying federal funding to schools to allow health professionals to distribute emergency contraception, even in cases of rape or incest (voting with the likes of Jesse Helms, Rick Santorum and John Ashcroft). Smith even voted against late term abortions even to protect the life of the mother.

As U.S. Senator for Oregon, Jeff will continue the fight to protect a woman's right to choose.

This latest endorsement highlights Jeff Merkley's ability to unite people and groups to get incredible, progressive things done. The passage of legislation on emergency contraception is a major step in the right direction for Oregon. Having Jeff in the U.S. Senate along Senator Wyden will give our state an incredible team of advocates for Oregon's values.