FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Ana Sandoval, PPAC communications,  916.446.5247

Hundreds Participate in Planned Parenthood Capitol Day

Planned Parenthood activists gather for rally, march at the State Capitol

SACRAMENTO -- Planned Parenthood supporters numbering more than 800 converged on the State Capitol today to rally and march in support of the preventive health care services offered by Planned Parenthood. Coming from as far as San Diego and Eureka, they cheered a host of legislative speakers at a morning rally before meeting with their local legislators and staff to educate them on the importance of fully funding cost-effective preventive health care like those services provided by Planned Parenthood.

"We are so grateful for all of our activists and supporters that have come out today, not only celebrate Planned Parenthood, but to also support and join in our effort to educate law makers on the importance of fully funding cost-effective preventive care," said Yali Bair, Vice President of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. "By providing men and women of all ages access to cost-effective preventive care, we are protecting California and saving our state money which in an essential in an economy like our own"

California prides itself as a national leader in the area of prevention. Whether it's family planning, comprehensive sexual education, or STD and cancer screenings, Planned Parenthood is one of the largest safety-net providers of preventive health care programs in the state. For more than 90 years Planned Parenthood has provided essential services to all Californians regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or their ability to pay. And ninety-seven percent (97%) of these services are dedicated to family planning and other preventive health care services.

Planned Parenthood Capitol Day 2009, with the theme of "Yes We Plan! Taking action for a healthy future", featured a morning rally on the North Steps of the Capitol that included speeches by members of the California Legislature including State Senator Mark Leno, State Assemblymembers Wes Chesbro, Noreen Evans, Mary Salas, Tom Ammiano, Dave Jones, Paul Krekorian, Ted Lieu, Fiona Ma, Bill Monning, John Perez, Pedro Nava and Bonnie Lowenthal.

Other rally speakers Yali Bair, Interim CEO, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, Former Assemblymember Hannah Beth Jackson, Master of Ceremonies, Jon Dunn, President and CEO ; and Jason Warner, educator; Planned Parenthood Orange and San Bernardino Counties (spoke on the recent decision by the Orange County Board of Supervisors to eliminate funding to Planned Parenthood health education programs for youth. There were also performances by Spare Change, a teen drama group from Humboldt County and a Hip-Hop dance troupe from Sacramento's Studio T.

The rally was followed by a march from the Capitol to the Sacramento Convention Center where the afternoon workshop sessions were held.

Planned Parenthood's Capitol Day 2009 also included a health education fair on the North Steps of the Capitol, informational workshops and legislative lobbying visits by supporters of preventive health care.

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Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) is the state public policy office representing California's nine separately incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates. Through advocacy and electoral action, PPAC promotes sound public policy in areas of reproductive health care, family planning and comprehensive sex education.