9-27-08, 7:34 pm

A viral e-mail of unknown origins urging recipients to donate to Planned Parenthood 'in honor of Sarah Palin' generated more than 31,000 donations totaling over $800,000 for the women's health and family planning organization this past week, a press release from Planned Parenthood announced.

Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, known for her opposition to a woman's right to choose, even in cases of incest and rape, energized women's health and pro-choice activists since her unexpected addition to the McCain campaign in August.

Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, said, “I want to personally thank the tens of thousands of individuals who responded. As a trusted health care advocate for millions of women across America, Planned Parenthood knows firsthand the importance of promoting and protecting women’s health and well-being.”

Describing the viral e-mail as 'the ultimate in grassroots activity,' Planned Parenthood also stated that the e-mail did not originate in that organization and the group does not know who began to circulate it.

The e-mail asks individuals who are unhappy with Palin’s selection as a vice-presidential candidate to donate to Planned Parenthood. The Planned Parenthood website includes a standard webpage where individuals can make a contribution in honor of a person of their choosing.