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Planned Parenthood President and CEO Cecile Richards took to Twitter on Tuesday evening to hit Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, for saying that the organization will not withhold funding for pro-life Democratic House candidates in the 2018 elections.
In an interview with The Hill published Monday, Luján vowed not to impose “litmus tests” on candidates as the party seeks to gain a House majority.
“As we look at candidates across the country, you need to make sure you have candidates that fit the district, that can win in these districts across America,” Luján told The Hill.
Luján’s remarks were met with backlash from pro-choice activists, including Richards. The Planned Parenthood chief called the Democratic Party’s pro-choice position “non-negotiable.”
"We’ll hold any politician who says otherwise accountable," she wrote, arguing that including pro-life candidates in the party would "alienate" women.
Women’s health & rights are non-negotiable - incl. access to safe, legal abortion. We’ll hold any politician who says otherwise accountable.
— Cecile Richards (@CecileRichards) August 1, 2017
Trading away women’s health and rights will just alienate one of the most powerful political forces in this country. https://t.co/6gHiEw3CHN
— Cecile Richards (@CecileRichards) August 1, 2017
Access to safe, legal abortion is central to women’s economic empowerment and bodily autonomy.
— Cecile Richards (@CecileRichards) August 1, 2017
Most of America agrees: 7 in 10 Americans support Roe v. Wade. Access to abortion has more support than any political party in the country.
— Cecile Richards (@CecileRichards) August 1, 2017
We will never be able to move this country forward if we are leaving women behind. That’s why 4M marched in January - and keep showing up. pic.twitter.com/AeUl6REb1j
— Cecile Richards (@CecileRichards) August 1, 2017
The future is female. It’s time for politicians to listen to women. They have three options: Lead, follow, or get out of the way.
— Cecile Richards (@CecileRichards) August 1, 2017
Other pro-choice activists criticized Luján’s position as well:
Democrats supporting anti-choice candidates is an attack on progressive values. Equality is impossible without reproductive rights. Period.— Lauren Duca (@Lauren Duca) 1501517834.0
Just in case you thought the Democratic party had any principles https://t.co/Y0lwMuGcoO— Nathaniel Friedman (@Nathaniel Friedman) 1501517193.0
Others praised Luján’s remarks.
If you are a Republican or Independent who says "gosh I could consider Democrats if only they were more open to pro-lifers" speak up.
— Michael Wear (@MichaelRWear) July 31, 2017
Great news! Let's rebuild the party with the best candidates! https://t.co/LaDjEDkVFq
— Democrats for Life (@demsforlife) July 31, 2017
GREAT NEWS! Dem campaign chief vows no litmus test on abortion. #someonewantstowinhttps://t.co/SkfsRFoiyk
— Kristen Day (@ProLifeDem) July 31, 2017
