The WNBA, Viewed by 224,000, Raises Funds for Planned Parenthood, Which Aborted 328,348

(CNSNews.com) - On Thursday, June 15, the WNBA team Seattle Storm announced that it would be partnering with Planned Parenthood to hold a fundraising rally and donate $5 for each ticket purchased on July 18 for the Storm’s game against the Chicago Sky.

The WNBA’s average viewership per game is about 224,000, which is more than 100,000 less than the total number of abortions performed by Planned Parenthood in 2015-16.

According to the organization’s most recent annual report, Planned Parenthood performed 328,348 abortions and received $554.6 million in government health services reimbursements and grants, taxpayer money, for the year that ended June 30, 2016.

“We believe it is important to add our voice in favor of comprehensive health care for girls and women by supporting this wonderful organization,” said Dawn Trudeau, the co-owner of the Seattle Storm. “The essential services provided by Planned Parenthood make the organization a natural ally and partner for the Storm.”

“Access to affordable, quality health care, including a full range of reproductive care, is a critical precondition for anyone – especially girls and women, to pursue their dreams and grow into their best selves,” Trudeau added.

Force 10 Hoops, the ownership group of the Seattle Storm, announced in a press release that their “Stand for Planned Parenthood” night would be held as a “night of support of the organization and the services they provide to 2.5 million people across the country.”

There will be a rally at 5:15 PM on July 18 at KeyArena’s West Plaza. The rally will be followed by a match between the Seattle Storm and the Chicago Sky. In addition to donating $5 -- for each ticket sold -- to Planned Parenthood, the team will host an online auction, selling “game-worn shoes from Storm players and other items” to raise more funds for the abortion provider.

“Planned Parenthood has not only touched our own lives and those of our friends and families, but has provided vital services to so many in our extended community,” said Storm co-owner Trudeau.

“As a result, many have enjoyed the freedom to chart the course of their own lives in directions that may not otherwise have been possible,” she said.  “We want that freedom for all girls and women across the country. That’s why we are standing up for Planned Parenthood. We invite you to join us.”

The money raised will go directly to Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands (PPGNHI).

Christine Charbonneau, the CEO of PPGNHI, applauded the team’s decision to partner with her organization.

“We are thrilled about this first-of-its-kind partnership. The Seattle Storm owners made a decision to publicly support Planned Parenthood making them the first professional sports team to make their voice heard and their stance known,” said Charbonneau.

“We are proud to work alongside the Storm and their efforts in leveling the playing field for women and girls,” she said. “Right now, we are seeing a relentless effort to roll back progress for women. Being in this fight alongside our supporters and the Storm is an honor.”

CNSNews.com reached out to press representatives at the Seattle Storm and Chicago Sky via email for comment, asking them if their respective team members would be “permitted to not attend the July 18 game, without consequence, if they have a moral objection to raising money for Planned Parenthood?”

No replies had been received at the time of publishing.