For Immediate Release:

April 1, 2008

Media Contact: Andrea Gage
414-213-3717 (cell)

Volunteers Remind Community to Get Out and Vote Tuesday

Madison, WI- Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin (PPAWI) volunteers and activists are in the final phase of their effort to get out the vote today, reminding voters statewide of the importance of voting for candidates who support women’s health.

The Planned Parenthood Action Network, a subscriber-based women’s health news service, has sent out approximately 40,000 electronic get out and vote reminders. Activists have already made phone calls to nearly 4,000 voters, urging them to vote and will continue calling residents today. Meanwhile, canvassers have visited thousands of residents and University students on Milwaukee’s North and East Side. They’ve gone door to door to explain the voting records of candidates for Milwaukee County Executive and the state Supreme Court, and how each of the candidates would affect women’s access to health care.

“To me, providing health care to low-income women is paramount,” said PPAWI Volunteer Julie Kleppin. “That’s why the information Planned Parenthood is providing to voters is so crucial. People need to know which candidates stand up for women’s health.”

PPAWI has endorsed Lena Taylor for Milwaukee County Executive.

“Lena Taylor, a PPAWI endorsed candidate, is the right choice for Milwaukee County Executive,” said PPAWI Executive Director Lisa Boyce. “One look at Lena Taylor’s stellar record of supporting improved access to health care tells you what women’s health advocates of this state have long recognized—Lena Taylor understands what we need to move Milwaukee County forward.”

View examples of positive, proactive legislation Lena Taylor has sponsored or supported that would improve the lives of Wisconsin women and families at www.ppawi.org/elections. 

While PPAWI is not issuing an endorsement in the state Supreme Court race, the organization is educating voters on both candidates’ records.

Since 1849, Wisconsin has had a criminal abortion statute (940.04) on the books that could send women to prison if Roe v. Wade is overturned. Health care advocates may have to turn to the state Supreme Court to protect women and physicians from being sent to prison. That’s why, in the race to become the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s next justice, Wisconsin Right to Life endorsed candidate Mike Gableman is the wrong choice.  

“We need to make sure that our next justice respects a woman’s autonomy and right to make personal, private health care decisions. Mike Gableman’s record, and his endorsement from Wisconsin Right to Life, an organization that has worked for decades to criminalize abortion, shows that his victory would be bad for women and bad for Wisconsin,” said PPAWI Public Policy Analyst Nicole Safar.

View a comparison of the candidates at www.ppawi.org/elections.

Paid for by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, a 501(c)(4) qualified non-profit corporation, Lisa Boyce, Treasurer. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's agent or committee.

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Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin is the advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (PPWI). The mission of PPWI is to empower all individuals to manage their sexual and reproductive health through direct services, education, and advocacy.  www.ppawi.org