Mackenzie Scott Has Made The Largest Single Donation In Planned Parenthood's History

Mackenzie Scott has made a whopping donation of $275 million to Planned Parenthood at a significant time when women's reproductive rights are under attack across America.

In the words of beloved Friends character Rachel Green, 'no penis no opinion'.

It's hoped this generous donation, made by the American novelist, philanthropist and ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, is one step closer to keeping men out of policing women's reproductive rights.

Planned Parenthood announced this week that the donations made by Scott to Planned Parenthood and 21 of its affiliates is the largest gift ever made from a single donor to the non-profit organisation.

Alamy

President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Alexis McGill Johnson said the donation couldn't have come at a better time with the country currently in 'crisis' regarding health and sexual reproductive rights.

She said in a statement: "There is no question that we are living through a crisis for sexual and reproductive health and rights in this country.

"As we face the most serious attacks on access to reproductive health care that we've seen in a generation, we know this moment requires us to be innovative and to double down on our efforts to ensure everyone has equitable access to health care, including abortion."

She revealed the funding from Scott would support health equity while addressing the racial and structural barriers placed for Planned Parenthood patients.

In particular, Johnson wanted to support women of colour who suffer higher rates of maternal mortality and STIs due to the lack of medical resources in their community.

Planned Parenthood Affiliate Chief Executive Council (ACEC) Melaney Linton shared that 2021 was one of the 'worst years' for abortion rights, referring to the Texas legislation that made abortion illegal at just six weeks of pregnancy.

Similarly, Tennessee is considering a bill modelled after Texas' abortion ban.

Last week, the bill proposed to ban abortion entirely, even in the face of rape or incest.

The proposed piece of legislation also allows the family of rapists to sue anyone who helps rape victims get access to abortion, claiming up to $10,000 worth in damages.

Democratic state Representative Bob Freeman told TODAY: "This bill, while it's being framed as an anti-abortion bill, is really not doing anything to further restrict abortion.

"It's really just going to bring all sorts of lawsuits and force people to have to potentially answer questions about a miscarriage."

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