Planned Parenthood Names New Vice President of Policy and Advocacy to Lead in Post-Roe Era 

Vanessa Wellbery comes from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and will take the helm at Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri’s policy and advocacy department to shape a new generation of policies meant to build reproductive freedom in Missouri and Illinois.

ST. LOUIS — Today, Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri (PPSLRSWMO) and Advocates of PPSLRSWMO announced it has named a new Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, Vanessa Wellbery, to lead its uncharted work in a post-Roe era. Wellbery brings more than a decade of sexual and reproductive health and rights advocacy experience. She most recently served as the senior manager for state government affairs at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) in Washington, D.C., where she managed a 50-state policy portfolio that focused on abortion and contraceptive access; reproductive health care for young people, incarcerated folks, and the LGBTQIA community; and decriminalization of pregnant people.

In a post-Roe era, PPSLRSWMO and Advocates of PPSLRSWMO recognize the rebuilding of reproductive freedom equitably requires a commitment to challenging the status quo, holding allies and opposition accountable, and centering communities most harmed — including women, people of color, people with low incomes, and the LGBTQIA community — when reproductive health care including abortion is banned. Wellbery’s experience working in Missouri, Illinois, and across the country is an exciting opportunity to build new strategies that foster meaningful change in partnership with advocates, activists, and supporters across our region with an eye toward reimagining abortion access and protecting and expanding reproductive health care writ large.

Statement from Yamelsie Rodríguez, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri and Advocates of Planned Parenthood the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri:

“As a reproductive health care provider and advocate, our organizations are navigating unprecedented times. We are thrilled to welcome Vanessa to Missouri and Illinois. She is a battle-tested movement veteran who will undoubtedly charge us forward toward a future where all people can access reproductive health care including abortion no matter their zip code, income, or identity.”

Statement from Vanessa Wellbery, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri and Advocates of Planned Parenthood the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri:  

“I am humbled to step into this role to help our organizations transition into a new era of reproductive freedom advocacy, including a re-envisioning of abortion equity. Most of all, I am grateful for and looking forward to joining the many advocates, activists, and partners who have been in the trenches across our region fighting for the world we want to see. Each one of us contributes to a collective movement that is seeing us through these challenging times and creating the sea change that is required in order for us to achieve true reproductive freedom. I am honored to be one of many embarking on an uncharted post-Roe era in the fight for our rights and freedoms.”

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Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri has been the leading provider, educator and protector of reproductive health care in St. Louis and Southwest Missouri for over 90 years. Patients can make appointments online or by phone at 1-800-230-PLAN(7526).

Advocates of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that engages in education, lobbying, and organizing activities. Advocates works on public policy to protect and advance access to sexual and reproductive health care.