PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND HONORED THE WORK OF THREE REMARKABLE MEN WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY WHO WORK TOWARDS SAFEGUARDING WOMEN'S HEALTH

Friends, advocates and supporters helped celebrate A Providence Affair: Honoring the Men Who Champion Women’s Health on November 7

Last night, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) honored three extraordinary men in the community. It was a special night commemorating the important efforts of Congressman David N. Cicilline, Dr. Pablo Rodriguez and Don E. Wineberg. More than 150 people celebrated A Providence Affair: Honoring the Men Who Champion Women’s Health on November 7 at the Rogers Williams Park Casino in Providence.

"We were proud to honor three extraordinary men who have worked, and continue to work, tirelessly on behalf of Rhode Island women," said Judy Tabar President & CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. "We stand with and support these incredible men, and all Rhode Islanders who continue to advocate for and support women’s health care services."

Congressman David N. Cicilline has been a defender of women’s rights and health care throughout his life. He was elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives in 1994. Cicilline was first elected mayor of the City of Providence in 2002, and re-elected for a second term in office four years later in 2006. He was sworn into Congress in 2011 and continued fighting on behalf of Rhode Islanders. Cicilline continually stood with Planned Parenthood and most recently, has been an outspoken advocate for the Affordable Care Act, especially as women will be able to receive reproductive health care without insurance co-pay.

"I am proud to stand with Planned Parenthood of Southern New England in their ongoing efforts to protect women’s health in Rhode Island and stand up against those who are trying to turn back the clock on progress for women across this country," stated Cicilline. "I have been honored to advocate on behalf of American women in Congress and I will continue to fight to protect women’s health and access to full health care."

Pablo Rodriguez, MD is an Obstetrician & Gynecologist with 28 years of experience and practices and is CEO of the successful medical practice, Women’s Care. He served as Medical Director of Planned Parenthood in Rhode Island for 22 years, and most recently, has advocated for health care reform in Rhode Island.

"It is hard to believe that we are still litigating the right of women to determine their reproductive destiny. Planned Parenthood is at the forefront of this battle for human rights and dignity, and I am grateful for their leadership and for the opportunity I was given to serve thousands of women and families, alongside the many heroes who every day have a kind ear and a strong shoulder to lean on," Rodriguez said. "PPSNE is not just a health facility; it is a Human Rights Center."

Don E. Wineberg has been practicing health law for over twenty years. He represents hospitals, physician groups of all sizes and specialties, including many tax-exempt organizations. He is also counsel to the Rhode Island Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Wineberg is active in Rhode Island’s public policy and advocacy efforts for health care and environmental sustainability.

"I believe that people will only have economic and social opportunity when women have the right to control whether and when they have children," Wineberg stated. "PPSNE continues to fight for these important human goals and I’m honored to continue to help achieve them."

All proceeds from A Providence Affair: Honoring the Men Who Champion Women’s Health went to care for PPSNE patients who receive high quality health care, regardless of their ability to pay. Annually, PPSNE serves over 70,000 women, men and teens, providing a range of critical, life-saving health care services, including breast cancer screenings, Pap tests, birth control, and STD/STI testing and treatment.

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Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) is one of the region’s largest providers of family planning and reproductive health care services. Since 1923, PPSNE has evolved into an organization with 18 health centers in Connecticut and Rhode Island, delivering care to over 70,000 patients annually, and 90 percent of the services provided are preventive.