On Capitol Hill
December 17th, 2009 | 
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As soon as this amendment passed on November 7, Planned Parenthood and our activists sprang into action. We knew that legislators needed to hear from us en masse. On November 18th, CEOs, donors, and Board Members from across the country went to DC to talk with legislative leaders. On Wednesday, December 2 more than 1,000 activists nationwide took Capitol Hill by storm demanding that women’s health be protected and that Stupak be defeated. Forty of these activists were bussed in from North Carolina by PPCNC and our sister affiliate, Planned Parenthood Health Systems.
The day was a long one but very rewarding. The group of NC activists met with Congressmen Butterfield, Price, and Kissell. A contingency of brave activists even took on a drop-by meeting at Senator Burr’s office! Our activists also had the opportunity to take part in a noon rally that included 14 members of Congress who spoke. The rally grew so large that a group of 200 people had to be moved into an overflow room!
The day also included a very important meeting with Congressman Etheridge’s staff who represents part of Fayetteville and voted in favor of the Stupak amendment. We had six of the Congressman’s constituents in the room at this meeting all who shared their perspectives and stories in a very moving and poignant way.
Cecile Richards and Planned Parenthood citizen lobbyists meet with Senator Kay Hagan
Throughout the day there was a remarkable energy that could be felt on Capitol Hill. Everywhere you turned, there was a group of people wearing their hot pink t-shirts and Stop Stupak stickers. Our group was especially rewarded by the comments we received from security guards, cafeteria staff, and professional lobbyists who recognized our cause us and thanked us for our efforts.
We finished off the day with an exciting meeting of all 40 North Carolinians with Senator Kay Hagan. We were fortunate to also be joined by PPFA President, Cecile Richards. Both Cecile and Senator Hagan lauded NC’s amazing turnout on the Hill and Senator Hagan reaffirmed her commitment to protect women’s health care services in the health care reform debate.
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