NEW YORK, N.Y. — Gloria Steinem was a feminist icon, pioneer in the fight for gender equality, and co-founder of Ms. Magazine. Her commitment to lifting the voices of Black women and others without a platform made feminism more inclusive and built an enduring movement.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund President and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson released the following statement on her passing: “Gloria was a force who drew people to the cause of women’s freedom until her very last days. She believed in her soul that we could change the world around us — and the strength of that belief left no room for doubt, in her or in the movement she led.
“I will miss her wit, her wisdom, and her fierce compassion, which animated protests in the streets and the talking circles in her living room. I am grateful to have known her and to have learned from her. Her legacy is our ability to speak truth to power and to fearlessly step into our own.”
Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With around 550 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.
Planned Parenthood Action Fund is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The Action Fund engages in educational, advocacy, and limited electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education.