TRENTON, NJ — Today is International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political progress of women and to reflect on the barriers we still face to equality. Triste Brooks, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central and Southern New Jersey and the board chair for the Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey (PPAFNJ), released the following statement:

“The past year has been defined by the leadership of fearless and resilient women leaders. We take today to recognize how far women have come in demanding and protecting our rights — from the #MeToo movement, to combatting attacks against our access to basic reproductive services, to defending health care for all.

“Today, we also remember the millions of women worldwide who are protesting sexism, gender violence, and workplace discrimination. Despite our victories, women continue to face constant threats to our rights and health.

“At home in New Jersey, we took a critical step forward in protecting women’s rights and health by reinstating reproductive health care funding. Family planning funding provides crucial health care services for women, including cancer screenings, birth control, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The ability to plan, prevent, and space pregnancies is directly linked to benefits for women and society, including economic, educational, and social empowerment.

“On International Women’s Day, join us and stand with Planned Parenthood in calling on our elected officials here in New Jersey — and on the federal level — to support women’s health and save lives by protecting and expanding access to reproductive health care services.”