Planned Parenthood’s decision to back candidates in Pennsylvania school board elections is sparking backlash from parents who say the organization’s influence is inappropriate and dangerous. The federally subsidized nonprofit has announced plans to fund campaigns aligned with its progressive values, raising concerns about the role of advocacy groups in public education.
Critics argue that Planned Parenthood’s agenda undermines parental authority by introducing explicit sexual education and gender ideology into classrooms. The organization also provides medical treatments, such as hormone therapies for minors, which many families believe are inappropriate without parental consent.
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration has maintained close ties with Planned Parenthood. Shapiro met with its leaders early in his term to discuss expanding abortion access. Lindsey Mauldin, a former Planned Parenthood employee, serves as his deputy chief of staff, underscoring the group’s influence in state government.
🚨 IN THE NEWS: @DV_Journal
Planned Parenthood PA has announced plans to endorse candidates for local school board elections across Pennsylvania, signaling a troubling shift in their political focus. pic.twitter.com/XitPMwlIDa
— Pennsylvania Family Council (@PFIpolicy) January 7, 2025
In this interview on The Dom Giordano Show, Michael Geer, President of the PA Family Institute, reveals Planned Parenthood's concerning plans for Pennsylvania's school boards in 2025. Learn how they're seeking to influence curriculum, promote radical ideologies, and target… pic.twitter.com/3DlIhaKqTj
— Pennsylvania Family Council (@PFIpolicy) December 13, 2024
Conservative groups like Moms for Liberty have mobilized against this effort. Tina Descovich, the group’s co-founder, criticized Planned Parenthood’s actions, stating, “Their involvement in school board elections is a blatant attempt to push their radical agenda, and it’s unacceptable.”
Planned Parenthood installing School board members in PA!!!! https://t.co/RJXyTkfBDh
— Children's Health Defense – Pennsylvania Chapter (@CHDPennsylvania) December 8, 2024
You can read more in the full report on our website. ⬇️⬇️
The Hidden Agenda: Planned Parenthood’s Push Into Local Educationhttps://t.co/x7YsgPFjHf
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— Pennsylvania Family Council (@PFIpolicy) January 7, 2025
Planned Parenthood has also invested in training teachers on controversial topics. Newsletters reveal that the organization has provided workshops covering gender ideology, which opponents argue promote divisive ideas rather than fostering genuine education.
“As part of a post-election webinar in November, Pennsylvania Planned Parenthood looked ahead to elections in 2025 and discussed its plans to participate in school board races.” 🧵https://t.co/bzRgUGm4b2
— Josue Sierra (@jmsierra) January 5, 2025
She hates human life. Was CEO of planned parenthood. https://t.co/wAobT2YG3T
— (((tannngl))) Pennsylvania is lost (@tannngl) December 31, 2024
As Planned Parenthood expands its efforts to influence public schools, parents and local advocates are calling for greater oversight to ensure that education decisions remain in the hands of families and communities, not outside organizations.
Abortion extremists in Harrisburg today applaud 8,500 annual abortions by their Philadelphia region.
In total, Planned Parenthood performs half of the 30,000+ abortions in Pennsylvania every year. pic.twitter.com/Rfubao57Rc
— Dan Bartkowiak (@DanBartkowiak) June 7, 2023
Access to care is as important and essential as EVER. Stay informed and join the fight—visit https://t.co/lne9tqanhV to sign up for our mailing list and get the latest news and opportunities in Pennsylvania. pic.twitter.com/KUPN9s1O2b
— Planned Parenthood PA Advocates (@PPAdvocatesPA) December 2, 2024