Santa Cruz Planned Parenthood hosts rally

Republican leaders from the Senate are set to release their new health care plan Thursday.

This is the first time the public and other senators will get to see the plan that was developed behind closed doors.

One of the topics still up in the air is Planned Parenthood funding.

Supporters from across the country have rallied to show support for Planned Parenthood on fears it may be cut.

Those that attended Wednesday’s rally say it was an effort to shine light on the health care plan.

A couple dozen people showed up with pink signs and shirts for what they call “Pink the Night Out”.

City council member Cynthia Mathews was there along with other city officials.

They say the hope with Wednesday’s rally is to put pressure on the U.S. Senate.

“We just can’t lose that forward motion that we’ve had, it’s unacceptable for us to decrease the quality of healthcare at this time,” said Dr. Jen Hastings, a Planned Parenthood supporter.

A representative from Planned Parenthood says if the new bill defunds them, 15,000 patients in Santa Cruz would lose access to preventative reproductive healthcare.

The health care plan will be released Thursday revealing what Senate Republican leaders have decided for Planned Parenthood and more.