FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2017
Contact: Casey Olesko 201.647.5502 / Casey.Olesko@ppgnnj.org

With one month until New Jersey election, Phil Murphy leads on women’s health issues
Women leaders across the state say Murphy is the only gubernatorial candidate committed to women’s reproductive health and rights

TRENTON, New Jersey — Tomorrow marks one month until the New Jersey gubernatorial election. Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey (PPAFNJ) has been working hard to advocate for candidate Phil Murphy and spread the word on the importance of this race for women’s reproductive health and rights. With reproductive rights constantly under attack at the federal level – including news today that the Trump administration is rolling back requirements for birth control coverage that will affect 62 million women nationwide – New Jersey women need a governor who will stand up and protect women’s rights.

As the 30 day countdown hits, PPAFNJ plans to continue to host and sponsor events that raise the concerns and voices of New Jersey women until Election Day. New Jersey residents will continue to find grassroots activists at train stations every week until the election, talking to riders and passing out literature. PPAFNJ and their volunteers have been spearheading the Women For Murphy campaign, organizing debate watch parties, placing digital ads, and hosting “Take Action House Parties” to galvanize women across New Jersey.

After slashed funding to women’s health services, including cancer and other health screenings, New Jersey is in the midst of a public health crisis. Between 2009 and 2013, the number of breast and cervical cancer cases has risen 5.2 percent among all New Jersey women. The rate of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is also rising in the state.

“Reproductive health has been at risk in New Jersey for the past eight years,” said Christine Sadovy, political and legislative director with Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey. “We now have an opportunity to elect a candidate who will change the terrible legacy on women’s health left by Gov. Christie and Lt. Gov. Guadagno.”

Murphy is the only candidate who promises that he will stand with Planned Parenthood and other family planning providers in ensuring that women’s health care is protected. He has pledged to restore and expand funding for desperately needed family planning programs and services. His opponent, Lt. Gov. Guadagno, is on record opposing funding for Planned Parenthood and other family planning providers. While Guadagno claims to be “pro-choice,” she wants to withhold funds from Planned Parenthood because it provides abortions.

Murphy on the other hand, is running on the pledge to be a strong leader for women’s health care, accessible birth control and sex education and ensuring that all-FDA approved methods of contraception remain accessible to New Jersey women with no out-of-pocket costs.

“This election is especially significant for us when women are confronted daily with uncertainty around the future of access to our health care,” said Sadovy.  “Lives are on the line and we are out here to ensure that at home our voices are heard and our rights are protected. We will keep working to get Murphy in office until the polls close on November 7th.”

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Paid for by Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey, 196 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, New Jersey 07960. This expenditure was not made with the cooperation or prior consent of, or in consultation with, or at the request or suggestion of, any candidate, or person or committee acting on behalf of the candidate. 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.