Planned Parenthood, Faith Leaders Engage in Compelling Discussion in Commemoration of Roe v. Wade Anniversary

Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley welcomed prominent faith leaders to engage in a compelling conversation in commemoration of the 42nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

Sheri Bonner, President/CEO of Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley facilitated the panel, held at Occidental College in Los Angeles. Anne Peterson, a member of the board of directors at Planned Parenthood and Occidental College alumna welcomed supporters, local college students, and interested community members.

“Tonight we’re sure to have an enlightening conversation ­ one I’ve been lucky enough to have through my work at All Saints Church in Pasadena,” said Peterson. “Our hope is that by engaging in this discussion we can create the space to hear many perspectives.”

The panel included Reverend Susan Russell of All Saints Church, Vice Chair of the national Clergy Advocacy Board for Planned Parenthood and Rabbi Denise Eger, Congregation Kol Ami, President-elect of the Central Conference of American Rabbis.

“For me the work I’ve done with Planned Parenthood has been a response to those that oppose women’s rights,” said Russell. “No one gets to use his or her beliefs or religion as a way to hinder my rights as a person.”

Panelists answered questions from the audience regarding faith, personal beliefs, abortion and a woman’s right to choose.

“I credit my mother with always teaching me what it means to stand as a voice for women,” said Eger. “When we have a greater concern for others we need to come together and stand for women’s rights and what we believe.”

As the nation’s leading health provider and advocate, Planned Parenthood works every day to make sure women have high quality health care in a safe and respectful environment. That includes providing abortion for women if and when they make that decision.

“Fighting a small but loud minority is sometimes disheartening, but we have to remember, we can do this ­ we must do this. In times like these, it often helps if we have faith – religious faith, or just the faith that a better world is possible,” Bonner said. “I have faith that together, those of us in this room, our friends, families and communities, can work together and not only preserve the right to a safe and legal abortion, but guarantee it for future generations. I hope that tonight leaves you with just a little more faith.”

About Planned Parenthood Pasadena & San Gabriel Valley

Over 47,000 local residents received high-quality care at Planned Parenthood’s four local health centers and multiple satellite locations this past year in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. 97% of the health care services are preventive, including life-saving cancer screenings, all FDA-approved methods of birth control, annual exams, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and more.