Summer Policy Intern

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S. Planned Parenthood Action Fund is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The Action Fund engages in educational, advocacy, and electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education.

Organization Type: Nonprofit Organization – General

Practice Areas: Constitutional Law, State Legislative Policy, State Statutory and Regulatory Law, Non-Profit, Reproductive Rights

Number of Lawyers: 10–20

The Public Policy, Litigation and Law Department of Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) seeks rising 2L or 3L law students to serve as policy interns for its New York and Washington, D.C. offices or to work remotely for the summer of 2024. This internship is a full-time position. PPFA is open to candidates who wish to split their summer with another internship or a summer associate position.

The State Policy team in PPFA’s Public Policy, Litigation and Law Department provides strategic legal advice to affiliate health centers about their proactive and defensive legislative and administrative goals and provides analysis and support on state legislation related to sexual and reproductive healthcare, including but not limited to access to abortion and contraception, sexual and reproductive health education, gender-affirming care for transgender individuals, and Medicaid coverage. We assist affiliates in their efforts to defeat or repeal laws and policies that restrict Planned Parenthoodpatients’ access to comprehensive reproductive health services and in their efforts to enact laws and policies that expand access to such services. Our team also provides analysis and legal advice on regulatory issues at the state and local levels.

Interns work closely with PPFA attorneys on a wide variety of policy-related responsibilities, including conducting legal research and analysis and drafting memoranda, talking points, and informational backgrounders. Interns will be invited to participate in conversations with affiliates and coalition partners throughout the summer.

Successful applicants will have enthusiasm, excellent research and writing skills, a demonstrated commitment to social justice, and an interest in reproductive justice, health law, racial and economic justice, and/or public interest law more generally. Applicants are encouraged to seek outside funding for the internship. However, if you are not able to secure funding, please advise us as PPFA may be able to provide funding.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter explaining their relevant experience and interest in externing for PPFA, a resume , and a writing sample . Rising 3Ls are encouraged to apply by October 15, 2023; rising 2Ls are encouraged to apply by January 1, 2024.

Contact Information: Reilly Johnson, Paralegal, reilly.johnson @ppfa.org