Ashley Judd urges women to 'come forward'

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INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Actress Ashley Judd told an audience in Indianapolis Planned Parenthood has survived so long because it is needed and urged women to "come forward'" on issues.

Judd headlined Saturday's 80th anniversary celebration for Indiana Planned Parenthood, which Judd said was evidence that the organization's efforts on behalf of women were having a positive impact.

"I have said countless times that unless you are delivering a product and service that is really needed and unless you are doing it really well, you don't stick around for 80 years," said Judd.

Judd, who has been mentioned as a possible challenger to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., urged women in to remain politically active, The Indianapolis Star said Sunday.

"Women must come forward," she said.

Judd hails from neighboring Kentucky but has a unique tie to Indiana. Her husband, Dario Franchitti, is a three-time winner of the Indianapolis 500.

Franchitti didn't attend the event but Judd sent him a long-distance compliment by describing him to the audience of 500 people as "my hot husband."