Updated 05:16 AM EDT, Thu, Mar 28, 2024

Celebrities Band To Defend Planned Parenthood

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Undercover videos have their place in police work sting operations, but sometimes their message can be disturbing and destructive because they are taken out of context. Political conservatives and right-to-lifers are certainly entitled to their beliefs and positions on abortion, but no matter how they may feel about it, it is a legal practice and Planned Parenthood is there for the public good.

The recent backlash over the company's practices concerned the release of videos alleging the sale of fetal tissue gleaned from routine abortions. This claim has been addressed point for point with compete transparency even though it has been determined that the videos were deliberately doctored. Nevertheless, conservative lawmakers presented a plan to debunk and disgrace the non- profit organization.

The controversial uproar has brought about a celebrity cyber campaign aimed at beating the Senate vote to strip Planned Parenthood of its federal funding. Found under the hashtag "#Stand With PP", Monday Lena Durham, Kerry Washington and Elizabeth Banks joined the growng roster of participants.

In an interview with Refinery 29, Erica Sackin, Planned Parenthood's director of political communications said:" This proposal demonstrates a lack of respect for and understanding of the preventive health needs of the millions of individuals who rely on it as their usual, and oftentimes sole, source of health care. In many communities, there are not other healthcare providers that would be equipped to fill the void created by the prohibition of funding for a qualified, trusted family-planning provider" -in other words, exactly what has already played out on a state level."

Actress Scarlett Johansson spoke out boldly to claim the bill "disastrous." Other celebrities who have joined the fight include: Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Audra McDonald, Lisa Kudrow, Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, Tea Leonie, Dana Delany, Amber Tamblyn and Jason Alexander, just to mention a little more than a few.

Probably the most frightening aspect of this bill is the support it garnered so quickly, rendering dangerous implications for the issue of reproductive rights. The 53-46 vote (just short of the necessary 60 needed by the GOP) has quelled the situation for the moment, but the implications still ring in the ears of those who believe in a woman's right to choose.

In the words of Washington Senator Patty Murray as told to Refinery 29:

"This vote is just the latest attempt in a decades-long political effort by extreme Republicans, who are willing and eager to undermine women's health in order to score political points with their Tea Party base. It's deeply disappointing that despite how much women, families, and communities rely on Planned Parenthood for critical healthcare services - everything from cancer screenings to birth control - we have to keep having this fight in Congress."

As far as celebrities joining this important cause, what point is there to fame if it is not to serve a cause beneficial to the public good?

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