Shonda Rhimes Joins Planned Parenthood's National Board: 'Women's Health Is Under Fire'

Shonda Rhimes, the creative force behind hit shows including Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, is joining Planned Parenthood’s national board.

The 47-year-old producer has been a longtime supporter of the women’s health group and was already on the board of her local Los Angeles branch. But now, she is taking a leadership role on the national team.

“Women’s health is under fire right now,” Rhimes told Elle in a joint interview with Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards. “And so to me, it feels like it’s important to help fight back.”

Planned Parenthood provides a range of health services for more than 2.5 million women, including annual exams, HIV testing and abortions. President Trump recently offered to preserve the organization’s funding if it stopped providing abortions — a deal that was quickly rejected by Planned Parenthood.

While its $500 million in annual federal funding is currently in jeopardy, a recent Quinnipiac poll showed that more than half of Americans —62% —oppose defunding the organization.

Richards reflected on the importance of bringing marginalized women’s voices to the fore at Planned Parenthood.

“There’s just no one better at utilizing the power of storytelling than Shonda Rhimes,” Richards said.

Rhimes chimed in that she just wants to help the cause, adding, “And I’ll do that in any way I can.”

 

Write to Zamira Rahim at zamira.rahim@time.com.