NATIONAL PRO-WOMEN’S GROUPS PICK SINEMA AS CD9 CANDIDATE WHO WILL STAND UP FOR WOMEN

Phoenix, AZ — Earlier in the election cycle, national bipartisan women’s groups including the National Organization for Women, Women’s Campaign Fund, Women Under Forty PAC and the National Women’s Political Caucus endorsed Kyrsten Sinema in her race for Congress. In the recent weeks, Sinema’s campaign gained momentum with the addition of endorsements from NARAL Pro-Choice America and Planned Parenthood. Together, these groups are the national organizations that aim to advance women in politics, improve women’s health care and protect a woman’s right to private medical choices. Sinema is running for Congress in Arizona’s Ninth Congressional District against Bush appointee Vernon Parker.

The new endorsements come on the heels of the recent release of Parker’s over-the-top views on reproductive rights. According to the survey he filled out from the fringe-conservative group Center for Arizona Policy, Parker will work to “prohibit abortion except where it is necessary to prevent the death of the mother.” [Center for Arizona Policy Survey received June 15, 2012]. Parker would make no exception for women who are the victims of rape or incest.

“We endorsed Sinema because she has a strong record of standing up for women and their families in Arizona,” said Kat Sabine, Executive Director of the NARAL Pro-Choice Arizona an affiliate of the national organization. “Sinema’s opponent believes that abortion should be illegal in all but extreme cases — even where pregnancy from rape and incest occurs. Arizona women need an advocate in Washington and Parker’s views are just way out of step with women in CD9.”

“I thank NARAL and Planned Parenthood for their support,” said Sinema. “Women deserve a voice that will not legislate personal health care decisions that should be made between them and their doctors.”