RICHMOND, Va (WRIC) — Several dozen activists converged on Planned Parenthood of Virginia’s location in the Fan District Saturday morning in protest of the organization.
The gathering was part of a coordinated protest of more than 200 Planned Parenthood centers nationally.
The rally at the Richmond location on North Hamilton, organized by #ProtestPP, featured anti-abortion signs and pro-life speakers. They also called for the organization to be stripped of any taxpayer funding.
“This organization should not be receiving any taxpayer funding for any reason and Governor Terry McAuliffe should be ashamed for his recent ceremonial veto at this very Planned Parenthood location,” said Leslie Davis Blackwell with #ProtestPP.
Blackwell was referring to McAuliffe’s veto of a bill passed by the General Assembly de-funding Planned Parenthood at the state level. The veto was later upheld by the assembly, which was unable to procure enough votes to override the veto.
Planned Parenthood of Virginia responded to today’s protests with a statement, saying:
“Planned Parenthood’s top priority is the health and safety of our patients. For the women, men, and young people we serve, the care we provide isn’t about politics – it’s about their well-being. Our dedicated health center staff work to ensure that women and families are able to access affordable, high-quality health care in a safe and caring environment.
“These protests are designed to shame the patients who seek basic health care services from Planned Parenthood and to intimidate the health care professionals who work here. The bottom line is that everyone should be able to get health care without fear of violence, harassment, or intimidation.”
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