“In the wake of yet another tragic death we call for racial justice once and for all”
New York, NY — Today, Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, issued the statement below calling for racial justice after news that University of Cincinnati Police Officer Ray Tensing intentionally shot and killed 43-year-old Black man, Sam DuBose, during a routine traffic stop on July 19.
Statement from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund:
“It is utterly heartbreaking that another young Black man has lost his life to the hands of police. This, after a new report shows that at least five Black women have died in police custody since mid-July alone. Sam DuBose’s tragic death — and that of the many who came before and are unfortunately to come after him — is a startling example of the systemic racism that continues to persist in this country and is consistently perpetuated by the police force.
“While we mourn with the families who have lost loved ones, we are inspired by their strength and stand with them and the leaders of the Movement for Black Lives in calling for justice against police brutality and fighting for policies that will finally hold those who uphold this structural racism accountable.
“As a provider and advocate to communities of color throughout the nation we know that people of color face heightened and often violent forms of discrimination. Planned Parenthood continues to listen and improve the ways in which we show up for those leading the work to combat this discrimination and center the lived experiences of people of color in our work. We are committed to our role in ensuring equity in health care access for all, particularly for people of color, who all too often experience limited access, but we know that this is only one piece of a much larger fight for racial justice.
“Everyone deserves the freedom to live without fearing for their lives and we are committed to ensuring that the people of color in our communities and beyond are able to achieve that fundamental right. We stand with those doing this work on a daily basis and we call on you to join us.”
PLANNED PARENTHOOD ACTION FUND
For Immediate Release: July 29, 2015
Contact: Planned Parenthood Action Fund Media Office: media.office@ppfa.org; 212-261-4433
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Planned Parenthood Action Fund is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The Action Fund engages in educational and electoral activity, including voter education, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy.
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