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The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
National Abortion Federation
Contact:

Alissa Manzoeillo, 202.667.5881, amanzoeillo@prochoice.org

Longtime NAF President & CEO Announces Plans to Retire in June 2019

WASHINGTON

Today, Vicki Saporta, National Abortion Federation (NAF) President and CEO for the past 23 years, announced her plans to retire in June 2019.

"It has been a great privilege to lead this organization and work alongside so many courageous abortion providers and dedicated advocates to help ensure that women can access quality abortion care," said Saporta. "NAF and our members make such an important difference in the lives of so many people, and I am proud of what we have together accomplished in the past two decades."

Under Vicki's leadership, NAF has experienced unprecedented growth and dramatically increased its ability to support abortion providers and expand women's access to abortion care. Highlights of these accomplishments include:

  • Established NAF Hotline Fund, which, when she retires next year, will have assisted more than 1 million women in overcoming barriers to obtain their abortion care.
  • Successfully advocated for the establishment of the Department of Justice's National Task Force on Violence Against Health Care Providers, which has led to a documented decrease in extreme incidents of violence against abortion providers.
  • Led the introduction of mifepristone (medical abortion pill) in the United States and Canada. Since 2000, more than 3 million women in the United States have safely and effectively used mifepristone to terminate a pregnancy.
  • Led NAF in setting the standards for quality abortion care in the Americas and expanded the organization's ability to conduct site visits and provide education and training to help ensure the highest quality of care.
  • Brought forward the voices of providers and women in public debates, which have been instrumental in defeating anti-choice legislation and passing proactive measures.
  • Expanded NAF's membership and programs in Canada and Latin America so more women could access quality abortion care.

"During the past 23 years, Vicki has taken an innovative approach to every program area at NAF and has been a creative and courageous advocate for abortion providers and women seeking this care under extremely challenging conditions," said Dr. Sue Carlisle, Chair of the NAF Board of Directors. "We appreciate Vicki's outstanding and tireless leadership, which has well-positioned NAF to continue our work to ensure abortion is safe, legal, and accessible."

Vicki's work has had a lasting impact on reproductive health, rights, and justice and changed the lives of countless women who have permanently benefited from her vision and commitment. Her work to expand abortion access has created a significant legacy, which will continue after she retires.

"I look forward to working closely with NAF's Board of Directors to find the best possible successor so that NAF can continue to grow and help ensure that women can access quality abortion care," said Saporta.

The National Abortion Federation (NAF) is the professional association of abortion providers.Our members include individuals, private and non-profit clinics, Planned Parenthood affiliates, women's health centers, physicians' offices, and hospitals who together care for approximately half the women who choose abortion in the U.S. and Canada each year. Our members also include public hospitals and both public and private clinics in Mexico City and private clinics in Colombia.