Leana Wen, the director of Planned Parenthood has found herself without a job. In a closed door meeting, Wen’s time as head of the “healthcare organization” came to an unexpected end today as top officials terminated her employment, which only lasted ten months – a much longer lifespan than that of the many unborn babies who are aborted in their clinics each year.
In a tweet posted earlier, Wen said she and the organization differed over the direction and future of the abortion provider.
I just learned that the @PPFA Board ended my employment at a secret meeting. We were engaged in good faith negotiations about my departure based on philosophical differences over the direction and future of Planned Parenthood. My statement to come shortly.
— Leana Wen, M.D. (@DrLeanaWen) July 16, 2019
She then released a statement, saying it had been “an honor and privilege to serve” and she will “always stand with Planned Parenthood.”
My statement stepping down as President/CEO of @PPFA and President of @PPAct. pic.twitter.com/WJ3EBgJIAy
— Leana Wen, M.D. (@DrLeanaWen) July 16, 2019
She then called her colleagues at Planned Parenthood her “heroes” and told them to keep fighting to “protect access to care.”
To all my colleagues at Planned Parenthood, the tens of thousands of dedicated people who are on the frontlines every day, providing life-saving, life-transforming care and fighting to protect access to that care: you are my heroes. Thank you for what you do. pic.twitter.com/6N4RMiTQAG
— Leana Wen, M.D. (@DrLeanaWen) July 16, 2019
Reactions to the news from the pro-life crowd were golden.
So I guess sometimes it’s actually not that great to be terminated without having any say in the matter… https://t.co/83YvvmcbRy
— Alexandra DeSanctis (@xan_desanctis) July 16, 2019
Their body, their choice. https://t.co/2PV845Fgqn
— Chuck Ross (@ChuckRossDC) July 16, 2019
I'm curious what "philosophical differences" can exist among those who believe unborn life should not only be destroyed, but that the legally-protected killing should be defended? https://t.co/3bqSOHomEn
— Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) July 16, 2019
This was a difficult decision Planned Parenthood made between themselves and their physician. https://t.co/Bg6HGc1VyW
— Siraj Hashmi (@SirajAHashmi) July 16, 2019
Hey, on the bright side, you won't be harvested for parts and sold for scrap. https://t.co/97suiH7Ddr
— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) July 16, 2019
Alexis McGill-Johnson is now the acting director and tweeted that she can’t wait to get to work.
I’m proud to serve as Acting President to facilitate a smooth leadership transition in this critical moment for Planned Parenthood and the patients and communities we serve. I thank Dr. Wen for her service and her commitment to patients.
— Alexis McGillJohnson (@alexismcgill) July 16, 2019
Having been part of the Planned Parenthood family for nearly a decade, and having spent my career working in movements for social justice, I can’t think of a greater honor or more weighty responsibility than leading an organization like Planned Parenthood in this moment.
— Alexis McGillJohnson (@alexismcgill) July 16, 2019