Nearly 1,000 people joined Planned Parenthood at Carnivale on Jan. 23 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of "Roe vs. Wade," the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion.
"This most fundamental of choices should be between a woman and her doctor, and not the government," said keynote speaker David Axelrod, former senior advisor to President Obama. "We work hard to keep that principal enshrined in our law."
Though a handful of protestors gathered outside with graphic photos and anti-choice messages ("Abortion is nothing to celebrate"), spirits were high inside the packed fundraiser at Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market.
Planned Parenthood honored Dawn Clark Netsch, an outspoken straight ally, with a lifetime achievement award.
"She paved the way for others," President Obama wrote in a letter read by Axelrod. "The unwavering grace and integrity [Netsch] has shown throughout decades of public service are an inspiration to us all. Dawn's legacy will live forever in our hearts and the history books."
Netsch graduated first in her class from Northwestern University's law school, and later joined its faculty as one of the first female law professors in the U.S. She was elected in 1972 to the Illinois Senate, where she would serve for 18 years. In 1990, Netsch became the state comptroller; she was the highest-ranking woman in Illinois state government and the first female elected to state constitutional executive office.
"Her life is a series of firsts," Axelrod said.
Netsch, who has been diagnosed with the degenerative nerve disorder Lou Gehrig's disease, spoke briefly.
"I can't make a long speech [because of my health], but what I can say to everyone in this roomyoung, old or in betweenis keep on doing what you've been doing so well," Netsch said. "We need it."
Other speakers included Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, Planned Parenthood of Illinois President and CEO Carole Brite and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who cracked jokes and spoke earnestly about his daughters.
"I want to thank Planned Parenthood… for being on the forefront of allowing this country to live by its ideals and its values," Emanuel said, "and also for never losing your nerve when there were times you could have."
Laura Tucker, William Marovitz, Deborah Witzburg and Jay Beidler co-chaired the event.
Notable guests included: Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Ald. James Cappleman (D-46), state Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-14), state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-12), state Rep. Deb Mell (D-40), Ald. Joe Moreno (D-1), U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-9), Cook County Commissioner Deb Shore, state Sen. Heather Steans (D-7) and state Rep. Ann Williams (D-11).
For more on Planned Parenthood, visit www.plannedparenthood.org/illinois.