Hundreds Rally Saturday at Pasadena City Hall in Support of Planned Parenthood

Hundreds rallied Saturday on the steps of Pasadena City Hall to show their support for Planned Parenthood. The rally was held in response to a series of videos recorded by an anti-abortion group and subsequent investigations into Planned Parenthood and its practices, as well as to anti-abortion protestors disrupting Planned Parenthood locations across the country.

“It’s important for us to thank our community of supporters and show that we will not let these fraudulent attacks hinder access to care, no matter what,” said Sheri Bonner, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley.

She went on to say the “rally is about standing with the women, men and young people who need and deserve high-quality medical care and accurate information — so they can make informed decisions about their health, their relationships, and their futures.”

The rally kicked off with local youth activists and local community leaders voicing their support for Planned Parenthood and what organizers called “reproductive justice.”

“I am here today representing myself, my sisters, my mother and grandmother and the generations of women in our family who have come ahead of me, said Luna, a local student. “Growing up, my mom always told my sisters and I that if we were in trouble and we felt we had no one to talk to about relationships and sexuality, we should reach out to and trust in Planned Parenthood.”

Planned Parenthood supporters also heard speeches from Congresswoman Judy Chu; Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek, who came as a private citizen and did not represent the city or other Councilmembers at the event; All Saints Church Rector Ed Bacon and Reverend Susan Russell; and student leader Amanda Flores.

Following the speeches, the pro-Planned Parenthood activists marched down Colorado Boulevard to raise awareness and support for their cause.

“We’re here to show the community that we’re proud of the work Planned Parenthood does and we won’t let women in our community suffer because extremists want to take away their affordable, high-quality care,” said Ariella Levitch.

The rally also served as a way for people to sign a petition stating their support for Planned Parenthood. For a copy of the petition, send an email to info@pppsgv.org