

The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts (PPAF) endorsed Tram Nguyen to represent the 18th Essex District of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Nguyen is challenging Representative Jim Lyons, who has spearheaded extreme and dangerous agendas to restrict Massachusetts residents’ reproductive rights and health care access. PPAF is the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, and works to elect sexual and reproductive health allies like Nguyen to the Massachusetts Legislature.

“As an advocate for domestic violence survivors, new immigrants, and others who face barriers to care, Tram is already working to build a safer, healthier community. She will bring this much-needed expertise and commitment to the State House,” said Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak, PPAF President. “The people of the 18th Essex District deserve a state representative who will fight for their health and rights, not someone like Rep. Lyons who blatantly pushes his own ideological agenda to turn back the clock on their rights. We are proud to stand with Tram.”

Since taking office, Lyons has led efforts to block access to safe, legal abortion and erect barriers to preventive health care and sex education. Lyons is the cosponsor of several harmful bills, including those that would impose medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion access and care, and wedge the state between patients and their doctors. Last year, he led a campaign to amend the state Constitution in order to deny low income women access to abortion. His hostility towards women’s health and rights extends beyond his opposition to safe, legal abortion. Lyons has attempted to “defund” Planned Parenthood, opposes legislation to expand access to sex education that helps teens delay sex and prevent unintended pregnancies, and voted against the Contraceptive ACCESS Law, which ensures Massachusetts residents have access to no-copay birth control.

Nguyen has long worked to improve the health and wellbeing of the Merrimack Valley. As a teenager in Lawrence, Nguyen led a youth sex education program, empowering her peers with information and resources to stay healthy. Nguyen is a legal aid attorney, advocating for survivors of domestic abuse, exploited workers, and new immigrants. Her hands-on experience serves as the foundation for her advocacy for expanded access to comprehensive sex education, adequate state funding for family planning services, and access to safe, legal abortion.

“I am very proud to be endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund,” said Nguyen. “I have dedicated my career to ensuring all people have access to the care, information, and resources they need to lead healthy lives. As a state representative, I will be a vocal proponent of accessible and affordable reproductive and sexual health care and will fight to protect the rights of our community here in the Merrimack Valley.”

The 18th Essex District covers parts of Andover, Boxford, North Andover, and Tewksbury.