Donna Miller
IDW 2nd Vice President
I joined the Board of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) because I wanted to truly make a difference on issues that I believe in. Not to sit on the sidelines, but be a vocal and visible advocate for fundamental rights and values I share for women regardless, of race, background or economic status. Although, I have held various leadership positions at PPIL it is an honor for me that I now serve as the Chairman of the Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. The Illinois Action Committee is responsible for supporting Pro-Choice candidates, lobbying for reproductive rights and ensuring that Illinois policies allowing access to quality healthcare and comprehensive sexual education are not weakened.
Many of the issues that Planned Parenthood stands for are under vicious attack…almost daily!
Health Care Reform is the single greatest legislative advancement for women’s health since Medicare and Medicaid were signed into law 45 years ago. Many Planned Parenthood advocates are proud of this legislation as it has dramatically increased access to reproductive health services, including family planning.
Can you believe that prior to 2013, medically relevant age appropriate sex education was not the law in Illinois? PPIL worked diligently to make sure that if a school teaches sexual health education, the materials and instruction must be age-appropriate, medically accurate and complete.
Although we can highlight these recent milestones, we cannot rest due to the efforts to restrict a women’s rights! Did you know Illinois law gives health care providers the right to refuse care without recognizing any right for patients? Initiatives like this are attempts to weaken our laws to make it more difficult for a woman’s right to choose and access to healthcare. This serves as an important reminder of what is at stake not only in Illinois but also across our country. We have to make sure patients rights are protected.
On January 21, Planned Parenthood Illinois Action will host its Annual Roe v Wade Event at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph, Chicago. This year marks the 43rd Anniversary of the landmark Roe vs. Wade decision. Roe v Wade was first introduced to the Supreme Court in 1970 and ultimately decided in 1973 – nearly 3 years later. As with any long fight for justice, we can thank the countless national and local advocates. Illinois has had one of our strongest advocates for many years, Pam Sutherland who is retiring this year.
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any” Alice Walker
I look forward to seeing you on Jan. 21!
Click here for tickets and event information
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