A Father's Day Celebration For Pro-Choice Dads

The presidential election that occurs in November could have serious implications for women's health issues, but it's not just women who are concerned. Over the weekend, NARAL Pro-Choice America published an open letter signed by several male lawmakers, candidates, and activists, which takes a bold, but not unexpected, stand in the election. The #MenForChoice used Father's Day to support pro-choice policies and to officially denounce Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

"Being a good dad is hard work," the letter reads. "We want our kids to live in a world where men and women are truly equal and are treated as such." It goes on to say that elected officials should have good judgment, integrity, and temperament, throwing some major side-eye Trump's way in the process.

Donald Trump is not a statesman or a leader. He is a vulgar bully who is completely unfit to be president of the United States.

The letter concludes by saying that its signees will not vote for Trump in November. They don't go so far as to endorse Hillary Clinton, but perhaps that's in the next open letter. The letter has 30 signatories, including seven members of Congress, 15 state legislators, and three NARAL board members.

Among the signees is Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. Blumenthal is a husband and father of four, and he recently took another bold political stand: On Wednesday, he joined his fellow Connecticut senator, Chris Murphy, in a nearly 15-hour filibuster to urge the senate to take a vote on gun control measures.

Other signatories include Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, a father of one and Army veteran; Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio, a father of three and a potential Clinton vice presidential pick; and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, a father of one.

The letter faults Trump for his controversial comments about women, including that time he said that women should be punished for having an abortion. It's not the first time that NARAL has taken a stand in the upcoming election. On the night of the New Jersey and California primaries, NARAL officially endorsed Clinton as the Democratic nominee for president. In a statement, NARAL President Ilyse Hogue said of Clinton, "Secretary Clinton’s victory tonight is a victory for all women because she is the model of a true champion for reproductive freedom."

In other words, it's pretty clear where NARAL stands in the election. As of Father's Day, it's also clear where several male officials stand. Supporters of pro-choice policies can sign the letter for themselves on NARAL's website.