Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates says Claudia Kauffman needs to defeat Bill Boyce in the 47th District Senate race to protect abortion rights.

The nonprofit group issued a Oct. 26 press release about Washington abortion rights at stake in key races, including the showdown between Kauffman, D-Kent, and Boyce, R-Kent.

“Kauffman has committed to upholding progressive values such as the essential right to an abortion,” according to Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. “She understands having access to abortion, birth control and health care information means more choices, economic security and opportunities for the future.”

In response to the press release, Boyce issued the following statement:

“I believe that abortion is a medical decision made by a woman and her doctor,” Boyce said in an email. “”I believe that life is precious and should be preserved whenever possible, however I am aware that this is not always an option.

“I believe the people in Washington have spoken and would like to keep abortion safe and legal, this is what I will stand for when I am on the floor of the Legislature. I am a voice of the people, including women, I will support choice and protect life.

“While on the floor I will also fight for accessible health care, especially for our vulnerable populations. We are not a third world country, everyone should have access to affordable, quality health care and health care education.”

Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization educating residents and policymakers about reproductive health issues in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky and Washington, according to the group’s description. The nonprofit lobbies and educates to advance Planned Parenthood’s mission, and engages in limited electoral activities.

“Your right to control your own body is on the ballot this November,” said Courtney Normand, Washington state director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. “Together, we have the power to elect reproductive health care champions who will unapologetically protect and advocate for safe, legal abortion. If not, we will allow candidates who oppose our rights to endanger our lives and criminalize essential health care.”

The 47th District includes Covington and parts of Kent and Auburn.

The group listed several other candidates it says that need to win, including Congresswoman Kim Schrier, D-Sammamish, over Matt Larkin, R-Woodinville in the 8th District and Democratic incumbent Patty Murray over Republican Tiffany Smiley for the U.S. Senate.

The general election ballots have been mailed and can be dropped off at ballot boxes or mailed on Nov. 8 or sooner.