Are democrats willing to stand up for women's reproductive rights, or are new politics counting women out? The program, NOW on PBS visited the Allentown Women's Center to explore these issues and joined one very courageous patient on her journey through the clinic. This program features video and commentary from AWC staff and patients. You can see clips of the program, along with a video about one of our very dedicated escorts at:
Special thanks to our brave patient who allowed herself to be filmed and for telling her story. We would also like to thank the NOW team and PBS for airing this story and bringing women's reproductive rights into the spotlight.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 07 July 2010 13:29 )
Defending Human Rights
Written by Administrator
Friday, 24 July 2009 12:39
Recently the Center for Reproductive Rights website displayed the first of a three part short video series showcasing the type of intimidation and harassment that women's healthcare providers must endure every day simply because they have chosen to stand up and defend the rights of women around the nation.
Please take the time to view this 5 minute video so you may better understand what these providers sacrifice every single day as they continue to fight for women's rights. Be sure to spread the word. No matter who you are and what you believe in, an individual's safety from harm should always be the number one priority.
also, follow this link to read in greater detail what these videos are hoping to achieve and the gravity of the situation surrounding the safety of care provides around the nation.
Executive Director of AWC appears on Rachel Maddow!
Jennifer Boulanger, Executive Director of The Allentown Women's Center, appeared on the Rachel Maddow show on MSNBC on June 10th, 2009. She spoke not only about the death of colleague Dr. George Tiller, but about the increased anti-activity at clinics across the country. She emphasized the importance of the cooperation of local law enforcement officials in controlling protester activity, as well as educating the general public about the harassment and intimidation that women face outside of medical facilities.
If you have not already done so, please join our Facebook Cause, Enough! Basta! and do your part in helping to prevent sidewalk bullying outside of women's clinics. Please help us by sharing your story!
30th Anniversary Honors
Written by Administrator
Wednesday, 17 December 2008 16:05
AWC Honors Staff and Volunteers at 30th Anniversary
Abortion Provider Bestows Awards at 30th Anniversary Celebration
Allentown, pa. --- At a celebration honoring the 30th Anniversary of the Allentown Women's Center (AWC) on February 7, three individuals were awarded with the center's highest honors. The event was held on Saturday at the Blue Monkey's Palm Room in Catasauqua and was attended by almost 90 staff and volunteers.
Adrian Shanker, currently a senior at Muhlenberg College, was presented with the Sylvia Stengle Community Leadership Award. An emerging young leader and activist in our community, Adrian has made significant efforts to increase public awareness of reproductive rights and other human rights issues. As a clinic volunteer escort, Adrian has made considerable contributions to improve the clinic experience for women seeking AWC's services, while helping to recruit and train new volunteers.
Sylvia Stengle founded the Allentown Women's Center in 1978, and was an activist in the field of reproductive rights in the Lehigh Valley prior to abortion becoming legal in 1973. Adrian's activist work and his commitment to this and other human rights issues embody Sylvia's spirit and her courage.
Sharon Davis, a resident of Easton / Forks Township, was presented with the Allentown Women's Center Patient Advocacy Award. This award honors a volunteer who has shown considerable warmth and support to patients and support persons, while displaying great tenacity in coping with the anti-abortion protesters. Sharon has been a supporter and volunteer with the Allentown Women's Center for over 20 years, and was one of the first to volunteer to help when AWC began experiencing an increase in harassment and intimidation by protesters after its move to Allentown in 2003. Sharon has always been a strong voice for reproductive rights in our community.
Kathleen Romanick was awarded the Allentown Women's Center Distinguished Service Award for her extraordinary service to the organization. Kathleen has been employed by AWC for almost 25 years and is currently a part-time counselor for the center. Despite being personally targeted by anti-abortion protesters, Kathleen has shown extraordinary commitment and dedication to carrying out AWC's mission in helping women make extremely important life decisions. Kathleen states, "I couldn't be prouder of where I work and the people I work with."
In addition to the three awards, executive director Jennifer Boulanger was recognized by the AWC staff for her 15 years of dedicated service to women in the Lehigh Valley. "I am honored to be a part of the only organization in the Lehigh Valley that has been providing safe, affordable, and high quality abortion services for over 30 years" Boulanger remarks. I'm so proud of our physicians, staff, and volunteers who are exceptionally compassionate and committed to helping women. I look forward to the next 30 years." For more information about the Allentown Women's Center and its 30 year history in the Lehigh Valley, please contact Jennifer Boulanger at 610-770-9077 ext. 11 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or visit AWC's website, www.allentownwomenscenter.com
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 07 July 2010 12:22 )
AWC Now Offers Essure Sterilization!
Allentown Women's Center is now accepting appointments for Essure sterilization procedures!
Are you interested in permanent birth control? Consider the Essure procedure - a safe, FDA approved method of female sterilization that can be performed in a physician's office. There is no cutting into the body, there are no hormones involved, it is covered by most insurance plans, and there is a quick return to normal activities afterwards.
The Essure procedure is the first and only FDA approved female sterilization procedure to have zero pregnancies in the clinical trials. The procedure involves inserting small coils called "micro-inserts" into the fallopian tubes. Scar tissue grows around the coil in the tube, which permanently blocks the fallopian tube. This procedure is not reversible, so it is only for women who are certain that they do not want any children in the future.
Latest AWC News
