This archive report was first published on 17 July 2019.
On July 16, 2019, Planned Parenthood's leadership underwent a significant change, with Dr. Leana Wen being ousted as the organization's president. This move comes at a critical time for abortion rights, with the Supreme Court's composition shifting in favor of conservatives.
Dr. Wen's departure was met with swift reactions from anti-abortion groups, who have been pushing for stricter abortion laws. Americans United for Life, a leading anti-abortion legal firm, praised Dr. Wen's ouster, stating that she had 'consistently traded on her training as a physician to perpetuate Planned Parenthood's falsehood that 'abortion is health care.'
Planned Parenthood, a 100-year-old organization with 600 affiliated health centers nationwide, has been a leading advocate for women's reproductive rights. The organization provides a range of health services, including cancer screenings, contraception, disease testing, and abortion services. In a joint statement, Aimee Cunningham and Jennie Rosenthal, the chairwomen of Planned Parenthood's boards, thanked Dr. Wen for her service and wished her continued success.
Amanda Skinner, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southern New England, described the current moment as 'alarming' for abortion-rights supporters. She emphasized the importance of Planned Parenthood's mission, which includes health care, education, and advocacy. The organization's board has appointed Alexis McGill Johnson, co-founder of the Perception Institute, to temporarily replace Dr. Wen as acting president and CEO.
