Each week, millions tune in to watch the intricate story lines created by Shonda Rhimes come to life on their television screens, but Rhimes has announced that she is joining the story line of a real life battle.
The 47-year-old producer announced that she will be joining Planned Parenthood as a member of its national board.
In an Elle interview with Planned Parenthood President, Cecile Richards, Rhimes shared why joining the Planned Parenthood board was important to her and vowed to do what she can to keep the organization alive.
“Women’s health is under fire right now. And so to me, it feels like it’s important to help fight back,” Rhimes said.
Planned Parenthood, which provides a range of health services for more than 2.5 million women, including annual exams, HIV testing and abortions, has come under heavy fire thanks to the Trump administration. Recently, President Trump offered to preserve the organization’s funding if it stopped providing abortions — a deal that was quickly rejected by the organization.
Despite a recent poll showing that the majority of Americans actually oppose defunding the organization, $500 million in annual federal funding to Planned Parenthood remains in jeopardy.
For Planned Parenthood, Rhimes joining the fold is a chance for the organization to give a voice to many of its marginalized patients.
“There’s just no one better at utilizing the power of storytelling than Shonda Rhimes,” Richards said.
Rhimes chimed in that she just wants to help the cause, adding, “And I’ll do that in any way I can.”
