Planned Parenthood Supporters Fight Back: Pink Out Day, Sept 29

Republicans in Congress have been yammering for weeks about shutting down the US government — again— rather than compromise on a budget.

Since the Tea Party took over in 2010, their thing seems to be to throw temper tantrums until they either shut down the government or get their way on their issue du jour.

This time around, they want to shut down the government unless they are given a budget that defunds Planned Parenthood (PP). What do they have against affordable healthcare for women?! We are 51% of the US population.

The deadline to sign a budget or shut down the government is September 30, 2015. That is why Planned Parenthood is sponsoring a national Pink Out Day on Tuesday, September 29. Planned Parenthood is asking supporters to wear pink, change their Facebook profile photo background to pink, attend a local rally, join the Twitter Thunderclap or share a #PinkOut selfie on social media. People are also being prompted to share their Planned Parenthood stories on FB. (Local event details after the jump.)

In Tucson, the Margaret Sanger Health Center (2255 N. Wyatt Dr., south of TMC) will offer free STD screening all day on Tuesday. From 3 to 6 p.m., there will be a rally, press conference, and swag giveaway at the same location. WEAR PINK.

But wait there’s more. Below is a fun list of events around Tucson tomorrow– including an 8 a.m. rally at the Republican Headquarters and a 4:30 p.m. rally at Congresswoman Martha McSally’s office. (McSally has been trying to have it both ways on the PP vs shutdown issue. Earlier this month, she voted in lock step with the GOP by voting to shut down the government over the defunding Planned Parenthood. What happened to her campaign promises to stand for women? HA!!! Or the promises that she would be “independent”? Well, that didn’t happen either.)

And don’t get me started on the Republican presidential candidates bragging about defunding Planned Parenthood or restricting LEGAL women’s health services in their states. Flaunting wrong-headed decisions that oppress women and lead to premature death and widespread disease among Americans is surrealistic. Politicians’ campaign promises used to focus on how they will help average Americans– or “help the little guy”, as my Republican parents would say. Now we have 17 presidential candidates who boast about how much they have hurt the people in their states– particularly poor women– and how they would love to continue these harmful policies nationwide.

Tuesday, 29 Sep 2015, 8:00 AM	Stand Up for Planned Parenthood – 102 miles away Oracle and Wetmore in front of Republican Headquarters 47 registered participant(s) (300 maximum) Tucson, AZ 85705 Hosted by Jenise Porter and Michael Gordy Description The majority of Tucsonans (and Americans) stand with Planned Parenthood. Rally to oppose the Republicans’ move to defund Planned Parenthood.

Tuesday, 29 Sep 2015, 9:00 AM	Pink Out AZ – 105 miles away The University of Arizona 6 registered participant(s) (100 maximum) Tucson, AZ 85719 Directions: In front of the Student Union. Hosted by Melissa Garcia Description Our VOX club will be tabling in campus (U of A) with a photo op of Stand with PP, free condoms and interactive games for people to come over!

Tuesday, 29 Sep 2015, 2:00 PM	Pink Out AZ – 107 miles away Margaret Sanger Center 45 registered participant(s) (100 maximum) Tucson, AZ 85712 Hosted by Melissa Garcia Description Come #StandWithPP on Sept.29th at our health center, where we will have free STI Testing services from 9am-5pm and Swag Give away from 3pm-6pm!! Join the fun and get ready to PINK OUT TUCSON!

Tuesday, 29 Sep 2015, 4:30 PM	Stand With Planned Parenthood – 109 miles away Office of Congresswoman Martha McSally 9 registered participant(s) (200 maximum) Tucson, AZ 85711 Directions: We will meet on Broadway in front of the building at 4400. Hosted by Jenise Porter and Michael Gordy Description Stand Up for Planned Parenthood