October 26, 2011

Boston, MA – Today, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund (PPAF) endorsed both Ayanna Pressley and Felix Arroyo for Boston’s City Councilors At-Large.  This is the first time in its history that PPAF has endorsed a race in a municipal election.  While municipal leaders do not typically have jurisdiction over the legislative matters that PPAF monitors and mobilizes around, PPAF’s endorsement is an acknowledgement that local leaders can play a role in protecting and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health services in their communities.  Boston is home to one of seven health centers run by Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM).  

In an email to Boston voters, PPAF President, Dianne Luby, stated, “At a time when reproductive and sexual health care services are under attack on Capitol Hill and in State Houses across the country, we need leaders who will proudly stand with Planned Parenthood.  If re-elected to their posts as Councilors At-Large for the Boston City Council, Ayanna Pressley and Felix Arroyo will continue to fight for women’s health and family planning services while opposing any policies that would restrict or harm access to these vital services for Boston residents.”

In the two short years that Pressley has served on the Council, she formed and serves as the chair of the Committee on Women and Healthy Communities, which has tackled issues such as violence prevention, teen pregnancy and comprehensive sex education.  Arroyo also serves on this Committee and has taken a leadership role in engaging and empowering Boston’s youth.  

Luby’s email also expressed concern over the low voter turnout that has historically plagued Boston’s municipal elections.  She urged voters to “join me at the polls, where you can exercise your right and responsibility to elect strong city leaders.  If you care about Boston schools, parks and roads, get to the polls.  If you care about city services and city spending, get to the polls.  If you care about reducing unintended pregnancies and making Boston neighborhoods healthier, get to the polls and vote for Ayanna Pressley and Felix Arroyo.”  

Boston’s municipal elections will be held on November 8, 2011.