Betty Cockrum
PRESIDENT AND CEO OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD
OF INDIANA & KENTUCKY (2002-2017)
OF INDIANA & KENTUCKY (2002-2017)
The Planned Parenthood family is so saddened by the news that the former long-time CEO of PPINK, Betty Cockrum has passed away unexpectedly earlier this month. Betty’s passing reminds us of how important it is to support one another and live for the present moment.
While she was intensely strong, her soft confidence and calming energy embodied the compassion that she had for reproductive rights and health care access for all. Her passion will continue to flow through our organization for years to come.
While she was intensely strong, her soft confidence and calming energy embodied the compassion that she had for reproductive rights and health care access for all. Her passion will continue to flow through our organization for years to come.
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Betty led Planned Parenthood in Indiana for 15 years (2002-2017) and in 2013, following the merger with Kentucky oversaw our work in both states. Betty was a fierce advocate for reproductive rights and abortion access and took every opportunity to educate and inform people about Planned Parenthood. She fought tirelessly to make emergency contraception available over the counter. She also fought to make sure patients could use Medicaid for health care services. She advocated for comprehensive sex education, and the importance of preventive health care.
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Betty was a proud Hoosier and she never shied away from public debate or private meetings with opponents of affordable, reproductive health care. She has gone toe-to-toe with anti-choice legislators in the Statehouse, and battled extremists in Congress who want to trample on women’s rights. She led the organization through legal battles that sought to take away basic health care rights and brought light to the importance of caring for reproductive freedom in Indiana and Kentucky.
It is with great honor and respect that Planned Parenthood in 2020 is proud to be dedicating our newest health center in Fort Wayne, IN in memorial of Betty Cockrum. |
Betty prepares to cut the ribbon at the opening of a the new Planned Parenthood health center in Fort Wayne, IN in 2019.
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In response to donations made by PPINK supporters, Betty would send then-Governor Mike Pence a letter to his residence every month explaining the dollar amount and number of donors who wanted to notify him of their honorary donations in his name. Betty personally wrote these letters and signed off each time, "We wish you well, and please respect the sovereignty of women."
Prior to joining Planned Parenthood, Cockrum served two years as Indiana state budget director, supervising a $30 billion biennial budget. Her career as a public servant began in 1973 as a "poverty warrior" with a city redevelopment commission. The relationships she developed in her 29 years of serving Hoosiers in both city and state government benefit Planned Parenthood and reproductive freedom every day.
Prior to joining Planned Parenthood, Cockrum served two years as Indiana state budget director, supervising a $30 billion biennial budget. Her career as a public servant began in 1973 as a "poverty warrior" with a city redevelopment commission. The relationships she developed in her 29 years of serving Hoosiers in both city and state government benefit Planned Parenthood and reproductive freedom every day.
Celebrating Betty's Legacy
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For those of you who knew and worked with Betty, we share our deepest sympathies. Every person who knew Betty seems to have a story about her and we have enjoyed over the past few days hearing those. If you have a story that you would like to share about Betty, please share those here.
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Hoosiers have lost a significant figure in the community and we will miss her strength and leadership especially in these troubling times. Thank you to Betty for being our champion and may her energy and passion live on through all of us!
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