Planned Parenthood Of Idaho Apologizes After Employee Agrees To Accept Racially Motivated Donation

Main Category: Abortion
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 21 Mar 2008 - 8:00 PDT

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Officials from Planned Parenthood of Idaho have apologized about an employee's phone conversation regarding a potential donation from a caller who specified that the funds be used for black women seeking abortions, FoxNews.com reports. However, Planned Parenthood criticized The Advocate, an antiabortion magazine at the University of California-Los Angeles that was responsible for the call. The magazine had an actor pose as a potential donor in an effort to discredit the group, according to FoxNews.com (FoxNews.com, 3/17). The actor spoke with Autumn Kersey, vice president of development and marketing at PPI, and said he wanted his donation to be used for "underprivileged minority groups." The caller went on to say, "I really face trouble with affirmative action, and I don't want my kids being disadvantaged, you know, against black kids" (Call transcript, 3/20). Kersey said it was the "first time" a donor had made "this kind of request" but added that she was "excited" to receive the donation.

Rebecca Poedy, CEO of PPI, said Kersey "violated the organization's principles and practices when she appeared to be willing to accept a racially motivated donation." Poedy apologized "for the manner in which this offensive call was handled," adding that PPI takes "full responsibility for" Kersey's actions.

Poedy said the group "took swift action to ensure" employees understand their "responsibility to communicate clearly with donors about the fact that we believe in helping all individuals -- regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation -- make informed decisions about their reproductive health care" (FoxNews.com, 3/17). Staff at The Advocate, who are students at UCLA, have said the group's programs target minorities (KUTV, 3/16).

A transcript of the phone call is available online.

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