An Open Letter to Planned Parenthood Federation of America

I recently received a letter from Cecile Richards, President of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. This letter appeared to endorse President Obama’s nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor. I appreciate the precedent such a nomination has the possibility of creating, nevertheless Planned Parenthood is blatantly disregarding its goal of leading the reproductive rights movement by endorsing Judge Sotomayor.

Judge Sotomayor made it clear she does not support the reproductive rights of women in her 2002 decision of Center for Reproductive Law and Policy v. Bush. In this decision, Sotomayor supported the Bush administration policy of denying family planning funds to foreign organizations that perform or promote abortions. Sotomayor stated, “the government is free to favor the anti-abortion position over the pro-choice position, and can do so with public funds.”

Planned Parenthood claims to believe in the fundamental right of each individual, throughout the world, to manage his or her fertility, regardless of the individual's income, marital status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or residence. As such, Planned Parenthood should be ethically opposed to Sotomayor’s nomination.

If Planned Parenthood intends to continue advocating public policies and endorsing public figures which guarantee reproductive rights and ensure access to such services, I would encourage Cecile Richards to reverse her endorsement of Judge Sonia Sotomayor. Now is the time to apply pressure to Congress and President Obama, to provide a nomination that will achieve the historic qualities of his current nominee, without taking a step back in promoting human rights.


(Submit your concerns and ask Cecile Richards and Planned Parenthood to reverse their endorsement of Judge Sonia Sotomayor by emailing Planned Parenthood at pponline@ppfa.org or calling 212-541-7800 or 202-973-4800)