This comprehensive NYT obit is a detailed review of Pat’s historic career as the United States’ (and probably the world’s) first abortion rights activist — although the claim that she rechanneled her activism and didn’t talk much about abortion after Roe v Wade passed in 1973 is far from accurate.

On the contrary, though she was also an avid political cartoonist and active in the animal rights, environmental, civil rights and social justice movements, Pat remained first and foremost a passionate and vocal advocate of abortion.

She was generous with her time and encouragement, serving as a mentor to many women, including my older daughter (former manager and outreach/education coordinator at Women’s Health Specialists Redding before earning her master’s degree and women’s health APRN at Yale; now serving as Director of Women’s Health at a New Haven clinic) as well as Katrina Cantrell (Executive Director of both Women’s Health Specialists Redding & Chico and Northstate Women’s Health Network), along with countless other feminist activists, including myself.

Though she’s no longer with us, her inspiration lives on. Now, when our rights are in greater peril than ever before, Pat will serve as a role model to all women and our allies as we rise up to carry on her fight for reproductive justice.

Read more here:
Women’s Health Specialists Feminist Women’s Health Centers statement: Bans Off Our Bodies!
#AbortionOnDemandWithoutApology
#BansOffOurBodies