More than 800 people, including several dozen local politicians, attended Personal PAC's 2015 luncheon in support of reproductive choice at the Chicago Hilton on Oct. 26.
Personal PAC, based in Chicago, is a political-action committee dedicated to electing pro-choice local and state officials in Illinois. Actor Ellen Burstyn gave the keynote address, while physician Willie Parker was honored with the organization's Pro-Choice Leadership Award.
The freedom to choose an abortion is one that's under assault by right-wing elements in the United States, said Personal Pac Board Chair Melissa Widen. In the first half of 2015, 51 separate bills were introduced in statehouses across the nation.
"This year has been even worse for reproductive rights than last year, which was worse than the year before that," Widen said.
While Illinois has fewer laws impeding women from accessing a abortion services than its neighbors, the restrictions it does have must be removed, said Personal PAC President/CEO Terry Cosgrove. Referring to the the state's parental-notification law, he said, "We should all be ashamed of ourselves that this is on the books for one more day."
Parker was presented with his award by Cook County State's Attorney candidate Kimberly M. Foxx, who was a luncheon co-chair. He explained that his work arose out of a sense of justice instilled by his family.
"You don't get credit for doing what you're supposed to do," Parker said, adding "I regularly see women who overcome barriers to access the kinds of services I can provide. … These women all deserve to access the care they need."
Burstyn described an illegal abortion she obtained in 1950, when she was 18, shortly after she'd left an abusive home and was struggling financially.
"These laws that are made up assume that families are always loving and supportive—they're not," she said. "Sometimes they are destructive and violent. ... Girls have to be brought up to understand that they have a right to their own bodies."
Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs was awarded Personal PAC's irving B. Harris Spirit of Choice Award, which was presented by luncheon co-chair Judy Gold. Dr. Amy Whitaker, a Personal PAC board member, also spoke about why she remained an abortion provider. Board member Andi Friedman introduced Burstyn, while luncheon co-chair John Kamis introduced politicians in attendance.
