CNSNews: Planned Parenthood – Which Donated $3M to Va. Gov. Ralph Northam’s Campaign – Calls on Him to Resign

By Melanie Arter, CNSNews, February 4, 2019

(CNSNews.com) – Planned Parenthood – the nation’s largest abortion provider – which spent millions to elect Democrat Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, is calling for him to resign after he admitted that he appeared in a racist photo that surfaced from his medical school’s yearbook which featured someone in black face and another person dressed as the Ku Klux Klan.

Dr. Leana Wen, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, called on Northam to resign Friday after he admitted to appearing in the racist photo but didn’t specify which one he was.

“As the nation’s largest provider of reproductive health care, we have a responsibility to advocate for our patients, and to provide everyone who walks through our doors with compassionate health care. There is no place for Gov. Ralph Northam’s racist actions or language. He must step down as Governor. The people of Virginia need to be able to trust that their leaders will fight for them, and support policies that protect their health, safety and value their communities. Gov. Northam’s actions have put that in doubt,” Wen said in a statement on Twitter.

Northam later recanted his admission, saying he was not one of the people featured in the photo but had worn blackface years ago while dressed up as Michael Jackson.

As CNSNews.com previously reported, an Aug. 2, 2017 Washington Post article reported that the Planned Parenthood’s Virginia affiliate planned to spend $3 million to help elect Northam.

Northam was already receiving backlash from the pro-life community over his support for a bill which would have legalized abortion up to the point of childbirth and even after the baby is born. As CNSNews.com previously reported, Northam explained on WTOP’s “Ask the Governor” how a post-birth abortion would proceed.

“If a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen,” Northam said. “The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if that’s what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother.”

Meanwhile, NARAL Pro-Choice America also called on the governor to resign.

“Governor Ralph Northam admitted that he is pictured in the racist photo in his medical school yearbook. Making amends and rebuilding trust must start with resigning his post. Virginians deserve better,” NARAL Pro-Choice America President Ilyse Hogue tweeted Friday.

“The Commonwealth of Virginia has a long history of bigotry and racism. And in 2019, there is absolutely no place for racism in Virginia. The message this photograph sends is in direct conflict with the values that NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia fights for every day: equality and freedom for all people,” NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia Executive Director Tarina Keen said in a statement on Friday.

“I have personally known Ralph Northam for 12 years. During that time, I have only known him to be a humble, honest and dedicated physician and public servant. The Governor’s yearbook picture is deeply offensive and reprehensible. The images are, and were, contemptible and inexcusable. We strongly urge Governor Northam to resign,” Keen said.

“This is a deeply sad moment for Virginia and all Virginians. This not a time for political or partisan posturing and any individual or organization attempting to do so is unconscionably divisive. As Virginians, we must come together to reject our past wrongs and identify what each of us can do to build a better and more inclusive future for every resident of our Commonwealth,” she added.

“Please stop talking and resign. Prolonging won’t change the outcome,” Hogue tweeted Saturday after Northam refused to step down.

https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/melanie-arter/planned-parenthood-which-donated-3m-va-gov-ralph-northams-campaign-calls