Bill Boyce and Claudia Kauffman

Bill Boyce and Claudia Kauffman

Planned Parenthood group backs Kauffman over Boyce in state Senate race

Claims Kauffman will protect abortion rights; Boyce responds decision up to a woman and her doctor

Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates says Claudia Kauffman needs to defeat Bill Boyce in the 47th District Senate race to protect abortion rights.

The nonprofit group issued a Oct. 26 press release about Washington abortion rights at stake in key races, including the showdown between Kauffman, D-Kent, and Boyce, R-Kent.

“Kauffman has committed to upholding progressive values such as the essential right to an abortion,” according to Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. “She understands having access to abortion, birth control and health care information means more choices, economic security and opportunities for the future.”

In response to the press release, Boyce issued the following statement:

“I believe that abortion is a medical decision made by a woman and her doctor,” Boyce said in an email. “”I believe that life is precious and should be preserved whenever possible, however I am aware that this is not always an option.

“I believe the people in Washington have spoken and would like to keep abortion safe and legal, this is what I will stand for when I am on the floor of the Legislature. I am a voice of the people, including women, I will support choice and protect life.

“While on the floor I will also fight for accessible health care, especially for our vulnerable populations. We are not a third world country, everyone should have access to affordable, quality health care and health care education.”

Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization educating residents and policymakers about reproductive health issues in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky and Washington, according to the group’s description. The nonprofit lobbies and educates to advance Planned Parenthood’s mission, and engages in limited electoral activities.

“Your right to control your own body is on the ballot this November,” said Courtney Normand, Washington state director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. “Together, we have the power to elect reproductive health care champions who will unapologetically protect and advocate for safe, legal abortion. If not, we will allow candidates who oppose our rights to endanger our lives and criminalize essential health care.”

The 47th District includes Covington and parts of Kent and Auburn.

The group listed several other candidates it says that need to win, including Congresswoman Kim Schrier, D-Sammamish, over Matt Larkin, R-Woodinville in the 8th District and Democratic incumbent Patty Murray over Republican Tiffany Smiley for the U.S. Senate.

The general election ballots have been mailed and can be dropped off at ballot boxes or mailed on Nov. 8 or sooner.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

t
Kent Police Detective Ford retires after 29 years with department

Helped solve 44-year-old cold case murder in 2024

Courtesy Photo, King County
Prolific tagger faces charges for damage to Kent water tower

Man one of dozens who reportedly tagged properties across King County, including West Hill tower

t
Federal Way man charged in Kent I-5 crash that killed passenger

Documents state that evidence reportedly showed he was the driver, but he blamed the passenger.

The Kent Police Department went all out with their “Moana” themed display - even Maui showed up. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
The Hogwarts Express pulls into Battle of the Badges | Photos

The 2024 Battle of the Badges took over the Renton Technical College on Dec. 14.

Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police
City of Kent crime numbers drop in 2024 compared to 2023

Vehicle thefts, commercial burglaries and robberies see big decreases

Courtesy Photo, Kent School District
Kent School District says it ‘will do better next time’ with school closures

Late notifications issued about closures after Dec. 18 windstorm

t
Kent Police arrest pair for downtown robbery of pedestrian

Reportedly used pepper spray to attack Kent man, 56, as he walked on sidewalk Dec. 16

Meeker Middle School, one of six schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18 in the Kent School District due to power outages from a windstorm. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Windstorm causes closure of six Kent schools due to power outages

Four elementary, two middle schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18; couple of city roads closed

Volunteers wrap gifts during the 2023 Toys for Joy program. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire
Puget Sound Fire puts out plea for more Toys for Joy donations

Toys needed for children ages 9 to 12; more bikes, scooters requested; deadline is Dec. 20

t
Kent man, 19, faces multiple charges after pursuit near Wenatchee

Driver reportedly fails to stop for state trooper, crashes stolen vehicle along State Route 97

Kent School District Board Director Awale Farah, left, and Superintendent Israel Vela at a high school graduation last summer. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Awale Farah resigns immediately from Kent School Board

Says because of ‘family commitments’ he cannot fulfill rest of his term that expires in November 2025

t
Kent’s Lower Russell Levee project receives John Spellman Award

City, King County Flood District and other partners recognized for historic preservation