I was formally a State Representative and it was through that role that I was introduced to Cedar River Clinics and Joan. During my work with Planned Parenthood, I represented PPWW on what was then called the Pro-Choice committee. During this time, I learned more about the life changing services offered at Cedar River Clinics. They are dedicated to providing the very best health care for women. And, they empower the whole woman with counseling, medical care, and wellness options.
Although I have only been involved with Feminist Women's Health Center a short time, I am a lifelong supporter and advocate of reproductive justice. More so than virtually any other organization I have worked with, Feminist Women's Health Center lives up to it's name--providing feminist health care to women. Feminist Women's Health Center provides women with real choices in reproductive health care, with the sole agenda of empowering women.
I volunteered with the Feminist Women's Health Center over a period of almost one year, and have contributed financially since then. This amazing organization provides services that are essential to the health and well-being of women in our society. And they deliver those services in a respectful and heartfelt manner. They provide an environment for their clients that is safe and non-judgmental. And they respect whatever decision their clients make. What would we do without them?
Bev Whipple saw the need in Yakima and greater Central Washington for accessible abortion services and started the Feminist Women's Health Clinic, bringing affordable reproductive health care including abortion to a population of women who otherwise would have had no options. FWHC has grown in clinics and services while maintaining a steady presence in Central Washington. Other abortion providers have come and gone. FWHC recognizes the constraints of poverty, language, and access and strives to make women's health care available to all women in our community. Bev has continued to be a leader in keeping abortion safe and available. As a volunteer I feel privileged to support this arganization that empowers women at the most fundamental level.
Since the 80's when the first clinic was bombed to now when the same women of courage open their new, large and lovely clinic, I have been a supporter. I have photographed the picketers, I escorted women into the clinic through threatening picketers, and I now serve on the board listening to new plans for a wonderful new space. I pledge funds monthly as well as help with small fundraisers such as the Kathy Griffen event in Seattle a few years ago. The clinic provides well women services, birth control and abortion services with excellent professional patient care.
Feminist Women's Health Center provides women's health care, specializing in abortion, birth control and women's health. I have served on the Board of Directors for over a year and have been a donor for a few years because I believe that this work is critical. The FWHC/Cedar River Clinics tenaciously defend (both through direct service as well as advocacy) the premise that important life decisions such as when and whether to have a baby, belong to the woman who is pregnant and that all should trust women to make the decision that is right for them. I'd encourage anyone who is thinking about their next step in supporting women's rights, to donate today. I can assure you as a member of the Board that not a penny is wasted and when you do, your donation supports activism, direct service and education so that women of all ages are able to make their own decisions about unplanned pregnancy.