Planned Parenthood, Others to Protest Romney Fundraiser in Troy

While Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney prepares to attend two private fundraisers in Michigan on Wednesday – – opponents of Romney are planning to protest the former Massachusetts governor's visit to southeast Michigan.

In an invitation to Planned Parenthood supporters, Planned Parenthood of Michigan is encouraging its members to stand up "against (Romney's) out-of-touch and harmful views on women's health, including access to low-cost birth control" by protesting outside the hotel Wednesday afternoon.

"With the Michigan legislature debating a ban on abortion – and preventing women lawmakers from speaking out – what we’re seeing in Michigan is exactly what we’d see across America under Mitt Romney," reads the invitation. The group will be joined by "Pillamina" – a plush life-sized pill pack that has been following Romney's campaign tour.

The Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) is also organizing a rally to coincide with Planned Parenthood's protest. In a recent email to supporters, MDP Political Organizing Director Kevin Hrit wrote: "We are organizing a rally to oppose Mitt Romney's million dollar fundraiser in Troy Wednesday evening. ... We'll be joined by friends in labor, Obama supporters, and anyone who supports the American dream."

Both organizations are planning to assemble in the parking lot at 4:30 p.m. before marching to the fundraiser, which begins at 5 p.m.

Romney was last in Troy on Feb. 25, when he . During the rally, Romney played to the home crowd, saying, "It's good to be back in the place we called home for the first 19 years of my life."

For the latest Troy news and information, follow Troy Patch on Facebook and Twitter. To have Troy Patch's top headlines delivered directly to your inbox each morning, sign up for our daily newsletter.