Press Release

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. received Planned Parenthood's Champions for Women's Health Award last night during the 2015 Planned Parenthood National Conference. The award is given to one member of the U.S. House of Representatives and one U.S. Senator annually who exhibit the vision, leadership, and integrity it takes to protect and advance access to reproductive health care.

Rep. Bera with representatives of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte.

"I'm truly honored by this recognition from Planned Parenthood," said Bera. "As a doctor and the father of a daughter, I believe that health care decisions should be made between a woman and her doctor. Unfortunately, that doctor patient relationship is under constant attack and we've seen what happens when people play politics with women's access to health care. But we've also seen the progress that's possible when policies embrace science and medicine to expand access to health care instead of standing in the way. We must continue that progress, and I am proud to continue working with Planned Parenthood to protect women's health."

President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund Cecile Richards, and President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California Kathy Kneer presented Bera with the award.

​Rep. Bera with fellow award winners Senator Sherrod Brown and Sen. Shaheen staffer Alison MacDonald, along with Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards.

"Each year we recognize members of Congress and Congressional staff who exhibit the vision, leadership, and integrity it takes to protect and advance access to reproductive health care and I can't think of a member of the House who better demonstrates these qualities than Representative Bera," said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. "Representative Bera and his allies in Congress are a critical voice for women at home and abroad as we face increased attacks on reproductive health care."

"We can always count on Dr. Bera to stand up for women's access to health care in California, and around the world," said Kneer. "As a member of the Congressional committee focused on global health, he has been a true advocate for women worldwide. His tireless efforts have made him a champion to Planned Parenthood and a champion to the women of Sacramento County."

The Planned Parenthood National Conference draws more than 500 affiliate staff from across the country, including many from California and the Sacramento region, who were present at the award presentation.

Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio was the Senate recipient of the award. Alison MacDonald from the office of New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen's office was recognized with a Stand up Staffer award.

Bera has represented Sacramento County in Congress since 2013. Born and raised in California, he is a physician and the only Indian American currently serving in Congress. He's fighting to rebuild an economy that works for middle class families and to reduce our country's debt in a responsible way. One of Bera's first acts in Congress was to help lead the effort to pass the No Budget No Pay Act, which says if members of Congress don't pass a budget, they don't get paid. As a leader of the No Labels' Problem Solvers, he's working with people from both parties to find bipartisan solutions to our nation's challenges. He and his wife Janine live in Elk Grove with their daughter Sydra. For more updates on Rep. Bera follow @RepBera on Twitter, like Congressman Bera on Facebook, or visit https://www.bera.house.gov.

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