Assemblyman Blake: 'We Must Do Better as a Country'

Bronx, NY - On Friday, in response to the Senate vote to allow states to restrict federal funding to Planned Parenthood and other women’s health facilities, New York State Assembly member and DNC Vice Chair Michael Blake released the following statement: 

“Yet again, we find ourselves at a point where women are being told that their health and well-being are not a priority due to a reprehensible and disgusting vote by Vice President Pence and Senate Republicans. Planned Parenthood and other women’s health facilities are critical components of our way of life, overall healthcare system and we should do everything to ensure women have the autonomy to make important decisions regarding their health. 

"The passage of this bill is shameful and the fact that the Vice President had to cast the deciding vote because two female members of his own party did not support it should be a wake up call to all of us that Trump, Pence and most Congressional Republicans continue to party over the people. As public servants, we must stand up and do the right thing for our constituents, especially women given the continual disrespect against Planned Parenthood and women across the world. It absolutely astounding that a body of mostly men has the audacity to make these kinds of decisions. We must do better as a country. 

"I hope that all state legislatures and Governors stand with Planned Parenthood and any women's health organization to protect a woman’s right to make decisions regarding her body, health and her life.”