In an announcement that has sent ripples through the political landscape, Alexis McGill Johnson—president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America—recently outlined her bold vision for the organization at a gathering. Taking the stage with an infectious energy, she likened her entry into this pivotal role to being thrust into the driver’s seat of a careening vehicle. Johnson humorously set the tone, emphasizing that though she felt prepared for the challenge, she had initially been more of a “perfect house guest” than a confident leader.
Planned Parenthood is no small organization; with 47 affiliates and approximately 600 health centers, it services millions each year. Johnson pointed out that there are 19 million supporters of Planned Parenthood, which dwarfs even the National Rifle Association (NRA) in terms of support. This statistic, while light-heartedly stated, underscores the organization’s importance in American society. Johnson passionately believes that the work Planned Parenthood does is vital to the lives of everyday citizens, and she is ready to drive forward, not just safely but with urgency and intensity.
Encouraging her audience to shake off their hesitance, Johnson embraced a spirited sense of empowerment. Her reminder to “drive it like you stole it” resonated with the crowd, urging them to cast aside any trepidation about their roles in the movement. She stressed that they shouldn’t just touch the wheel lightly; instead, they must take control and navigate boldly. This moment of clarity transformed the room, inspiring attendees to recognize themselves as part of a larger movement toward health equity and personal autonomy.
Johnson’s remarks took a serious turn as she acknowledged the current political climate. She pointed out that a wave of authoritarianism is attempting to roll back hard-earned rights—especially women’s rights. With a strong call to action, she painted a picture of resilience, likening supporters of Planned Parenthood to the Avengers, determined to “step into the breach” and protect the rights of women and other marginalized groups. Her fiery rhetoric was a reminder that complacency is not an option in the fight for equality and freedom.
As she wrapped up her address, Johnson emphasized that the movement is not just about any one individual; it’s about collective action and historical struggles that have paved the way for progress. The rights for equal pay, healthcare autonomy, and personal decision-making were fiercely defended by previous generations, and now it is the responsibility of the current movement to safeguard them. With her captivating charge to “fight like you stole it,” Johnson left the audience with a clear mission: to embrace their power and advocate for a future where everyone has equal access to healthcare, regardless of their circumstances.
In the end, Johnson’s spirited address was more than just a rallying cry—it was a clarion call to action. From here, supporters of Planned Parenthood are encouraged not only to support from the sidelines but to engage actively in the freedom fight, fostering a society where every individual can thrive without fear or restriction.
