Clinton Delivers Her First Speech Since Becoming the Presumptive Dem Nominee to Planned Parenthood Action Fund

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton delivered her first speech since winning the requisite 2,382 delegates necessary for the party’s nomination to a meeting of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the lobbying arm of the nation’s largest abortion provider, Friday.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton addresses the Planned Parenthood Action Fund in Washington, D.C., June 10. (Chris Kleponis/AFP/Getty Images)

Inside the event, Clinton vowed to stand with Planned Parenthood as president. Outside the event, pro-life activists gathered to protest.

Kristin Hawkins, president of Students for Life, told TheBlaze that it speaks to Clinton’s priorities that “her first stop is here, with Planned Parenthood.”

“It’s important for us to come out here to show young women aren’t with her,” Hawkins said. “Her hashtag was #ImWithHer, so we’re going to say, ‘We don’t stand with her.’”

Hawkins said it’s “bull crap” that Clinton’s candidacy sends an inspiring message to women.

“I don’t need Hillary Clinton to secure the nomination to tell me that I’m an empowered woman and that I have equal rights in our country,” Hawkins said, adding that Clinton’s support for abortion constitutes the “destruction” and the “betrayal” of women.

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, the former president and CEO of Americans United for Life, told TheBlaze, “We think it’s really important for people to understand that the real pro-woman position is being pro-life.”

“Particularly as female pro-life leaders, we’re offended by Hillary Clinton claiming a mantle of being the primary advocate for women,” Yoest said. “We believe that abortion harms women as well as destroying babies.”

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a woman or a man, if you don’t stand for life, you don’t stand for me,” Yoest added.

Arina Grossu, director for the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council, told TheBlaze that Planned Parenthood plans to spend S20 million to elect Clinton, while receiving money from the taxpayer.

“So it’s a vicious cycle where Planned Parenthood is pushing it’s radical pro-abortion agenda, and Hillary is supporting it because they’re supporting her,” Grossu said.

During her remarks at the Planned Parenthood Action Fund event, Clinton said, “I’ve been proud to stand with Planned Parenthood for a long time. And as president, I will always have your back.”

“We need to defend Planned Parenthood against partisan attacks,” Clinton said, adding, “Anyone who wants to defund Planned Parenthood and wipe out safe and legal abortion has no idea what’s best for women.”

Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, left, and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton raise arms after Clinton addressed the Planned Parenthood Action Fund in Washington D.C., June 10. (Chris Kleponis/AFP/Getty Images)

“So here’s my promise to you today: I will be your partner in this election and over the long haul,” Clinton continued. “Together, we are taking on the attacks and together we’ll come out stronger — just like Planned Parenthood has time and again.”

Planned Parenthood endorsed Clinton for president in January.

This post has been updated to reflect that Dr. Charmaine Yoest is the former president and CEO of Americans United for Life.

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