Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards' Statement on Federal Court Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage

Planned Parenthood Federation of America issued the following statement today on yesterday’s federal court ruling that struck down California Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriages in the state of California:

“Planned Parenthood applauds U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn Walker’s ruling yesterday overturning California’s ban on same-sex marriage. In his ruling, Judge Walker declared the ban unconstitutional because it discriminates against gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals and prevents the state from ‘fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis.’

“This federal-level ruling is the first step in recognizing that couples in this country deserve to be treated equally and share the rights that are afforded by marriage regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“Planned Parenthood supports the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community by providing unbiased, quality health care and information that helps all patients fully understand their sexual orientation and gender identity. Every person deserves honest information and health care because it is central to understanding yourself and how you relate to others. Equal rights provided by the government serve to lessen discrimination and allow individuals and couples the opportunity to fulfill the dreams and aspirations they have in life. Judge Walker’s ruling gives hope to millions of Americans that the law will treat them with fairness and equality.”

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading sexual and reproductive health care provider and advocate. We believe that everyone has the right to choose when or whether to have a child, and that every child should be wanted and loved. Planned Parenthood affiliates operate nearly 800 health centers nationwide, providing medical services and sexuality education for millions of women, men, and teenagers each year. We also work with allies worldwide to ensure that all women and men have the right and the means to meet their sexual and reproductive health care needs.