The League of Women Voters of McLean County will host the next program in its community information series on Tuesday, April 6. It will feature the topic of women's reproductive health, a prominent issue in current public policy and election discussions. Fifty years after the Roe v. Wade decision, come hear about "Lessons Learned from Elections After the Dobbs Decision."
The program is free and open to the community. It will feature guest speaker Rianne Hawkins, Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for Planned Parenthood of Illinois and Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. In her current role, Hawkins plans and coordinates efforts to build support for Planned Parenthood and partner initiatives. Since joining Planned Parenthood in 2016, she has been involved with efforts to pass several reproductive health care initiatives, including passage of the Reproductive Health Act, passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, and the Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy Act. Before joining Planned Parenthood, Hawkins had an extensive career in government and Illinois state politics. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Springfield with undergraduate and graduate degrees in Political Science.
The program is an opportunity to gain insights into this timely topic from the perspective of Hawkins' involvement and experience in the women's health field. There will be time for Q&A and discussion.
Presenter Hawkins notes the importance of this topic, stating "Now that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe, reproductive rights are a pivotal issue in the 2024 elections up and down the ballot. The power of voting has wide-reaching implications for abortion and gender-affirming access throughout the country. I encourage everyone to use their power to make a change at the ballot box."
All are welcome to the free program. Doors open at 6:00 pm, program begins at 6:30, at Unitarian Universalist Church, 1613 E. Emerson St., Bloomington. Coffee and dessert will be served. Those attending are asked to register at the event web page (https://lwvmclean.org/Dobbs).
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. The League encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Learn more at LWVMcLean.org. |