PPAP honors women's health advocates

More than 300 guests joined elected officials, celebrities, entertainment and business leaders to celebrate "Champions of Choice" at Politics, Sex & Cocktails, hosted by the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project Los Angeles County (PPAP). This year's honorees included Felicity Huffman, Amy Poehler, Assemblymember John A. Perez, Mary-Jane Wagle, and Matthew Weiner -- individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to women's health and reproductive freedom.

"At Planned Parenthood we're committed to protecting access to affordable health care, medically accurate sex education, and safe, legal abortion services. Politics, Sex & Cocktails celebrates this work and the important support we have from leaders across Los Angeles," said Rebecca Isaacs, President and Executive Director of PPAP. "Our advocacy efforts are especially critical as Congress debates health care reform--we're sending the message loud and clear that real reform must include women's health."

For eleven years Planned Parenthood has honored "Champions of Choice" at the annual event. Past recipients include Gloria Steinem, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, David E. Kelly and Kate Walsh. Honorees are Planned Parenthood supporters who have worked to promote an open dialogue about sexual health and reproductive rights for women, men and teens.

2009 "Champions of Choice":

• Felicity Huffman, known for her Emmy-winning role on ABC's hit series Desperate Housewives as Lynette Scavo, serves on Planned Parenthood's Board of Advocates.

• Assemblymember John A. Perez has long advocated for STD prevention programs that empower young people to make responsible decisions and stay healthy.

• Amy Poehler, star of NBC's Parks and Recreation and producer/voice of Nickelodeon's animated series The Mighty B!, is a strong advocate on issues impacting women and girls.

• Mary-Jane Wagle, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles from 2004-2009, led the agency to unprecedented growth and doubled the number of patients served during her tenure.

• Matthew Weiner, Creator and Executive Producer of AMC's Emmy-award winning drama Mad Men, uses television to address cultural shifts in sex, gender, relationships, and family.

Funds raised at Politics, Sex & Cocktails support PPAP's legislative and electoral activity including advocacy, public education campaigns, and grassroots organizing. The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project is devoted to improving the affordability of reproductive health care, promoting commonsense policies that prevent unplanned pregnancy and STDs, and ensuring access to safe, legal abortion.