NEWARK, NJ – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., (D-Newark) is announcing his first endorsement from a national progressive advocacy group, as Planned Parenthood Action Fund backs the veteran Democrat. With womens’ reproductive rights under attack throughout the country, Congressman Payne is more proud than ever of his record supporting equal access to the essential health services that Planned Parenthood provides.

"Congressman Payne has demonstrated strong support for sexual and reproductive health and rights, and we feel confident that he will continue to be a dedicated advocate for Planned Parenthood health centers and the people they serve,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, President of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. “Now more than ever, we need allies in Washington who will fight for reproductive freedom, and we know that Congressman Payne will always be that champion.”

In the midst of Republican attacks on reproductive rights that are playing out across the country Congressman Payne was a strong supporter of the Women’s Health Protection Act, legislation that would make abortion legal and accessible to all women nationwide. The bill narrowly passed the House with every Republican voting in opposition and is expected to be voted on in the Senate soon. Congressman Payne has also fought hard to ensure that womens’ health care decisions are made by them in consultation with their doctors, speaking at a Planned Parenthood roundtable opposing the Trump administration’s Title X gag rule.

“No one other than a woman should be able to make decisions when it comes to their health care and their bodies, and that’s exactly why I voted for the Women’s Health Protection Act – groundbreaking, much-needed legislation that passed the House and that the Senate must step up and pass now,” said Congressman Payne. “It’s an honor to earn the support of Planned Parenthood Action Fund as a recognition of my staunch opposition to Republican attempts to take away womens’ hard earned rights. Now more than ever, we need to stand together on this critical issue and I thank Planned Parenthood Action Fund for their trust in my leadership.”

Congressman Payne has recently been endorsed by the New Jersey Education Association, the Communications Workers of America NJ, Laborers’ International North America Eastern Region, the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association and AFSCME NJ. He also recently announced the support of U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker as well as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.