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Politics & Government

Weston Residents Honor Governor and First Lady Patrick at Planned Parenthood Event

Weston residents among 400 supporters at Celebration of Choices event.

Editor's note: The following is a press release from Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts.

On Feb. 7, nearly 400 supporters of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) came together to honor Governor Deval Patrick and First Lady Diane Patrick for their long-time support of women’s health. Event co-chairs were Nonnie and Rick Burnes and Laura DeBonis and Scott Nathan, all of Beacon Hill.

Dianne Luby, President/CEO of PPLM, began her remarks by recognizing the overwhelming support Planned Parenthood has received over the past week. “Our supporters stood up and spoke out on social media, in the press, and with their congressional representatives, and look what a difference it made in having the Komen Foundation rethink their position, reverse their policy, and agree to work collaboratively with Planned Parenthood.”

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Luby and Ronni Cohen-Boyar, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, began a dialogue about how to work together locally before Komen’s national office reversed its decision last week. Cohen-Boyar attended Celebration of Choices as Luby’s guest.

“The timing of this Celebration could not have been better to honor Governor Deval and First Lady Diane Patrick for their shared commitment to women’s health and their long standing courage,” Luby continued. “They stand up and speak out for women’s health even at times when it isn’t as easy or as mainstream as it was last week.”

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“Planned Parenthood’s commitment to providing quality, affordable care makes our Commonwealth healthier and their advocacy makes our Commonwealth stronger,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “I am grateful for this honor and look forward to a continued successful partnership.”

“It is truly an honor to receive this award from the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts,” said First Lady Diane Patrick. “Planned Parenthood is a vital organization in this community because of its commitment not only to women’s health but to their dignity.”

Both Governor and Mrs. Patrick have been long-time champions of women's health, advocating for expanded access to affordable health care for the hardest-to-reach populations. The Governor prosecuted abortion clinic violence as Assistant Attorney General in the Clinton administration and was a member of PPLM's Board of Directors in the early 1990s. More recently, Governor Patrick signed into law the 2007 Buffer Zones legislation and has championed comprehensive sex education. Mrs. Patrick is outspoken about ending violence against women and mental health issues.

PPLM raised $300,000 through sponsorship and ticket sales for Celebration of Choices. These donations will contribute to life-saving preventive health services offered to women, men and families across the state, as well as PPLM’s sexuality education programs for parents and young people.

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