Planned Parenthood Illinois Action Exceeds Fundraising Expectations at the 47th Roe V Wade Event Jan. 23
Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) and Planned Parenthood Illinois Action PAC celebrated the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling at its Roe v. Wade Anniversary Event on Thursday, Jan. 23, at Morgan Manufacturing, 401 N. Morgan St. The celebration, co-chaired by U.S. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly, U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, exceeded fundraising goals.
Over 500 attended this annual event bringing together Planned Parenthood supporters and activists to raise much-needed funds and awareness to elect pro-choice leaders in Illinois. The theme of the event was "Protect Our Champions. Protect Our Choice" and featured several speakers including Governor JB Pritzker. Planned Parenthood remains committed to protecting choice and access to reproductive health care and the rights of individuals, families, and communities in Illinois and across the nation.
"For nearly 40 years, PPIA has supported and advocated for policies allowing everyone in Illinois access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care, education, and information," PPIA President and CEO Jennifer Welch said in her address to the crowd. "Together, we have upheld the promise - the fundamental right - that no matter who you are, no matter what you look like, no matter where you came from, no matter how modest your means, no matter what happens in Washington, DC, here in Illinois we support and respect the decision each person makes about their reproductive health. And we will fight like hell to ensure that the constitutional right to safe and legal abortion is protected."
Two awards were given at the Roe v. Wade Anniversary Event. Senate President John Cullerton received the Dr. Marvin Rosner Award for Lifetime Achievement. Dr. Rosner, 1924-1995, was a leading voice for the expansion of all civil liberties, but was best known as a pioneer in the fight for reproductive rights and performed the first legal abortion in Illinois in 1971. Cullerton was honored for leading the way on marriage equality, delivering savings through Medicaid reforms, and protecting reproductive rights.
State Senator Melinda Bush and State Representative Kelly Cassidy received the Richard J. Phelan Profile in Courage Award. Bush was the Chief Senate Sponsor of the Reproductive Health Act (RHA), and sponsored legislation that repealed the state income tax on period supplies, co-sponsored sex education legislation, co-sponsored a bill that strengthened insurance coverage for contraception, and led efforts on numerous measures related to sexual harassment. Cassidy, the Chief House Sponsor of the RHA, has helped pass progressive legislation involving criminal justice reform, women's rights, and the LGBTQ community.
The Phelan Profile in Courage Award honors the men and women who illuminate the courage of Phelan who served as Cook County Board Chairman from 1990-1994. Phelan is best known for his consistent championing of women's access to quality health care services during his tenure including reinstating abortion services at Cook County Hospital.