Press Release |

In Memory of Janet Benshoof

In response to the passing of Janet Benshoof, a champion of reproductive rights, President of Physicians for Reproductive Health, Jodi Magee, issued the following statement:

“Physicians for Reproductive Health mourns the passing of our longtime colleague, reproductive rights champion Janet Benshoof. For the last four decades, Janet was a fierce, tireless, and effective voice in the fight to expand access to abortion and contraception. She was a warrior who stood up for the rights of women both domestically and globally—first as the director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Reproductive Freedom Project, then as founder of the Center for Reproductive Rights, and lastly as the founder and leader of the Global Justice Center.

Janet was a force to be reckoned with in all her roles. She was lightning quick with a wry wit, even during the most trying of circumstances. Her ferocious determination to stand up to government restrictions on access to an essential health service for women all over the world is what she will be remembered for at Physicians for Reproductive Health.

We will be forever grateful for Janet’s partnership in our fight for reproductive health care for everyone and for her efforts to protect those who provide compassionate care. Our thoughts go out to her family today.”

Jodi Magee is the founding President and Chief Executive Officer of Physicians for Reproductive Health and a cofounder, with Dr. Wendy Chavkin, of Global Doctors for Choice.