Planned Parenthood New Jersey Commemorates National Women’s Health Week by Demanding More for Women

National ‘We Demand More’ campaign highlights the need for Congress to support women during COVID-19 outbreak

TRENTON, NJ – This week marks National Women’s Health Week, celebrated annually as an opportunity to lift up the importance of women’s health and wellness. This year, as we face down a global pandemic that has disproportionately impacted women and especially women of color, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey is highlighting the fact that Congress needs to do more to support women, families, and communities by supporting the national We Demand More campaign.

The We Demand More coalition comprises nearly 60 of the nation’s most respected advocacy organizations, including the National Women’s Health Network, National Women’s Law Center, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, and more. The coalition is advocating for the health, safety and economic security of women currently on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response. With women, and especially women of color, disproportionately bearing the impact of the crisis — as frontline, essential workers as well as those particularly vulnerable to the health and economic impacts of the pandemic — the coalition is calling on Congress to take urgent action on a series of five demands, as enshrined in a letter sent to congressional leaders. While congressional relief efforts have included important measures like expanded unemployment benefits, investments in public health, and relief to small businesses and the nonprofit sector, this is only a fraction of what is needed to protect women and families — especially with the U.S. now having more COVID-19 cases than any other country in the world.

Statement from Kaitlyn Wojtowicz, Vice President of Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey

“We demand more. We demand that the health and safety of women and our communities are prioritized and supported – by protecting access to reproductive health care, by protecting democracy and elections, and by providing life-sustaining relief to those in need.

“We demand more of our federal government. Congress must take action to support women, families, and communities. Congress must also strengthen and support our state and local governments – our lifeline to health coverage, education, and essential services life domestic violence programs and shelters.

“Women bear the burden of the COVID-19 crisis. This Women’s Health Week, we demand more for women.”

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Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey (PPAFNJ) is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) non-profit social welfare organization, and the advocacy arm of the Planned Parenthood Affiliates in New Jersey. We advocate for access to essential health care through education, activism, voter engagement, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy. For more information, visit our website at: www.ppactionnj.org.