FOCUS LOCAL

Focus Local

Focus Local

Focus Local

Focus Local

Planned Parenthood

League of Massachusetts

The Focus Local campaign has been a transformative initiative dedicated to closing gaps in health care access for historically excluded communities. Thanks to your support, we have strengthened reproductive rights, expanded essential services, and positioned Massachusetts as a national leader in equitable and innovative health care.

Table of

Contents

Title

Section

Intro

01

Intro

01

Intro

01

Intro

01

Five Initiatives

02

Five Initiatives

02

Five Initiatives

02

Five Initiatives

02

Abortion Rights

03

Abortion Rights

03

Abortion Rights

03

Abortion Rights

03

Impact Innovation

04

Impact Innovation

04

Impact Innovation

04

Impact Innovation

04

Healthcare Delivery

05

Healthcare Delivery

05

Healthcare Delivery

05

Healthcare Delivery

05

Leveraging Expertise

06

Leveraging Expertise

06

Leveraging Expertise

06

Leveraging Expertise

06

People Power

07

People Power

07

People Power

07

People Power

07

Close

08

Close

08

Close

08

Close

08

Opening Letter

Dear Friends and Supporters, 

We are humbled and grateful to share the successful completion of the Focus Local campaign. Launched five years ago, this campaign set out to close longstanding gaps in access to care — especially for people historically excluded from quality health care, including Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, young people, and those from lower income communities. To achieve this, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) leadership identified five priority areas to strategically infuse with new funding.

Throughout the last five years there have been challenges that we didn’t anticipate as well as those that we have long prepared for. The global COVID-19 pandemic took heavy tolls on the health care system prompting us to innovate health care delivery. Then, the Dobbs decision upended abortion rights, creating a fractured national landscape for reproductive health where millions no longer have access to care in their home state. 

Through all this, PPLM has stayed true to our mission, maintaining and expanding our core programs for all an our work is impossible without our supporters. This campaign has been fueled by over 45,000 dedicated donors and has surpassed $55 million in funding, thanks to partners like you. Your support ensures that Massachusetts remains a national model for reproductive freedom.

Thank you for fighting with us. 

Dominique Lee,
President & CEO

Your generosity has accelerated our growth in these five critical initiatives that advance health equity. Our progress is impossible without our courageous supporters like you.

The Initiatives

01

01

01

Increasing Access to Safe, Legal Abortion ​

Ensure abortion access and protections for patients and providers, with a geographic focus in Southeastern Massachusetts

Ensure abortion access and protections for patients and providers, with a geographic focus in Southeastern Massachusetts

Ensure abortion access and protections for patients and providers, with a geographic focus in Southeastern Massachusetts

02

02

02

Innovating
for Impact

Innovating for

Impact

Innovating for Impact

Innovating for Impact

Implement strategic interventions in health care, education, community building, and advocacy in Worcester and Springfield to reduce health disparities for BIPOC patients and communities

Implement strategic interventions in health care, education, community building, and advocacy in Worcester and Springfield to reduce health disparities for BIPOC patients and communities

Implement strategic interventions in health care, education, community building, and advocacy in Worcester and Springfield to reduce health disparities for BIPOC patients and communities

03

03

03

Transforming
Health Care Delivery ​

Transforming Health Care Delivery ​

Transforming Health Care Delivery ​

Improve care through investments in technology and patient-centered care  

Improve care through investments in technology and patient-centered care  

Improve care through investments in technology and patient-centered care  

04

04

04

Leveraging
Our Expertise ​

Leveraging Our Expertise ​

Leveraging Our Expertise ​

Unite training, education, and research  through the ASPIRE Center for Sexual and Reproductive Health

Unite training, education, and research  through the ASPIRE Center for Sexual and Reproductive Health

Unite training, education, and research  through the ASPIRE Center for Sexual and Reproductive Health

05

05

05

Expanding
People Power

Expanding People

Power

Expanding People Power

Mobilize supporters to strengthen both our advocacy and nonprofit health care reach

Mobilize supporters to strengthen both our advocacy and nonprofit health care reach

Mobilize supporters to strengthen both our advocacy and nonprofit health care reach

01

01

01

Increasing
Access to Safe, Legal Abortion 

Increasing Access to Safe, Legal Abortion 

The Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade has resulted in a restricted and fractured national landscape for abortion access. This is devastating to the millions of people who have lost access to the full spectrum of care. 


Our social science research shows that in the four months following the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v Wade there was a 37% increase in out-of-state patients traveling to PPLM for care compared with the same time period in the year before Dobbs.


We were prepared for the influx of new out-of-state patients through fortifying our patient navigation program, adapting our clinical workflow, and investing in training programs.

The Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade has resulted in a restricted and fractured national landscape for abortion access. This is devastating to the millions of people who have lost access to the full spectrum of care. 


Our social science research shows that in the four months following the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v Wade there was a 37% increase in out-of-state patients traveling to PPLM for care compared with the same time period in the year before Dobbs.


We were prepared for the influx of new out-of-state patients through fortifying our patient navigation program, adapting our clinical workflow, and investing in training programs.

The Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade has resulted in a restricted and fractured national landscape for abortion access. This is devastating to the millions of people who have lost access to the full spectrum of care. 


Our social science research shows that in the four months following the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v Wade there was a 37% increase in out-of-state patients traveling to PPLM for care compared with the same time period in the year before Dobbs.


We were prepared for the influx of new out-of-state patients through fortifying our patient navigation program, adapting our clinical workflow, and investing in training programs.

The Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade has resulted in a restricted and fractured national landscape for abortion access. This is devastating to the millions of people who have lost access to the full spectrum of care. 


Our social science research shows that in the four months following the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v Wade there was a 37% increase in out-of-state patients traveling to PPLM for care compared with the same time period in the year before Dobbs.


We were prepared for the influx of new out-of-state patients through fortifying our patient navigation program, adapting our clinical workflow, and investing in training programs.

  • PPLM was one of the first health care organizations in Massachusetts to offer medication abortion through telehealth, a service that is more affordable for patients and reduces barriers like the time and cost of travel to in-person appointments.

  • The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts (PPAF) built a broad coalition of social justice groups, health advocacy organizations, and grassroots activists that lobbied the Legislature and Governor to codify abortion rights into state law in a bill that:

  • PPLM was one of the first health care organizations in Massachusetts to offer medication abortion through telehealth, a service that is more affordable for patients and reduces barriers like the time and cost of travel to in-person appointments.

  • The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts (PPAF) built a broad coalition of social justice groups, health advocacy organizations, and grassroots activists that lobbied the Legislature and Governor to codify abortion rights into state law in a bill that:

  • PPLM was one of the first health care organizations in Massachusetts to offer medication abortion through telehealth, a service that is more affordable for patients and reduces barriers like the time and cost of travel to in-person appointments.

  • The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts (PPAF) built a broad coalition of social justice groups, health advocacy organizations, and grassroots activists that lobbied the Legislature and Governor to codify abortion rights into state law in a bill that:

  • PPLM was one of the first health care organizations in Massachusetts to offer medication abortion through telehealth, a service that is more affordable for patients and reduces barriers like the time and cost of travel to in-person appointments.

  • The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts (PPAF) built a broad coalition of social justice groups, health advocacy organizations, and grassroots activists that lobbied the Legislature and Governor to codify abortion rights into state law in a bill that:


    • Legalized abortion later in pregnancy for people facing a fatal or grave fetal diagnosis.


    • Ensured young people ages 16 and 17 do not need to go to court for permission to access abortion.


    • Removed inflammatory language and criminal penalties from Massachusetts laws that were designed to deter providers from offering safe, legal abortion care.

In 2020, we pioneered providing medication abortion services via telehealth

  • Legalized abortion later in pregnancy for people facing a fatal or grave fetal diagnosis.


  • Ensured young people ages 16 and 17 do not need to go to court for permission to access abortion.


  • Removed inflammatory language and criminal penalties from Massachusetts laws that were designed to deter providers from offering safe, legal abortion care.

  • Legalized abortion later in pregnancy for people facing a fatal or grave fetal diagnosis.


  • Ensured young people ages 16 and 17 do not need to go to court for permission to access abortion.


  • Removed inflammatory language and criminal penalties from Massachusetts laws that were designed to deter providers from offering safe, legal abortion care.

  • Legalized abortion later in pregnancy for people facing a fatal or grave fetal diagnosis.


  • Ensured young people ages 16 and 17 do not need to go to court for permission to access abortion.


  • Removed inflammatory language and criminal penalties from Massachusetts laws that were designed to deter providers from offering safe, legal abortion care.

  • Funded through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, PPLM launched a novel, two-year residency program to train advanced practice clinicians on sexual and reproductive health care, including medication abortion. This program bolsters the pipeline of providers with expertise in sexual and reproductive health and abortion.


  • Following the passage of a comprehensive reproductive health care law that requires all public universities and colleges to provide access to medication abortion, PPLM has secured referral partnerships with 15 colleges and universities statewide.

  • Funded through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, PPLM launched a novel, two-year residency program to train advanced practice clinicians on sexual and reproductive health care, including medication abortion. This program bolsters the pipeline of providers with expertise in sexual and reproductive health and abortion.


  • Following the passage of a comprehensive reproductive health care law that requires all public universities and colleges to provide access to medication abortion, PPLM has secured referral partnerships with 15 colleges and universities statewide.

  • Funded through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, PPLM launched a novel, two-year residency program to train advanced practice clinicians on sexual and reproductive health care, including medication abortion. This program bolsters the pipeline of providers with expertise in sexual and reproductive health and abortion.


  • Following the passage of a comprehensive reproductive health care law that requires all public universities and colleges to provide access to medication abortion, PPLM has secured referral partnerships with 15 colleges and universities statewide.

  • Funded through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, PPLM launched a novel, two-year residency program to train advanced practice clinicians on sexual and reproductive health care, including medication abortion. This program bolsters the pipeline of providers with expertise in sexual and reproductive health and abortion.


  • Following the passage of a comprehensive reproductive health care law that requires all public universities and colleges to provide access to medication abortion, PPLM has secured referral partnerships with 15 colleges and universities statewide.

Since 2020, we have conducted over 32,000 telehealth appointments

  • Worcester State University - Berkshire Community College - Fitchburg State University - Framingham State University - Greenfield Community College - Mass Bay Community College -

  • Massachusetts Maritime Academy - Massasoit Community College - Middlesex Community College - Mount Wachusett Community College - Northshore Community College -

  • Quinsigamond Community College - Springfield Technical Community College - UMass Boston - UMass Lowell - UMass Dartmouth - Westfield State University -

  • Worcester State University - Berkshire Community College - Fitchburg State University - Framingham State University - Greenfield Community College - Mass Bay Community College -

  • Massachusetts Maritime Academy - Massasoit Community College - Middlesex Community College - Mount Wachusett Community College - Northshore Community College -

  • Quinsigamond Community College - Springfield Technical Community College - UMass Boston - UMass Lowell - UMass Dartmouth - Westfield State University -

02

02

01

02

02

Innovating
for Impact

Increasing Access to Safe, Legal Abortion 

PPLM’s health centers in Worcester and Springfield serve some of Massachusetts’ most racially and ethnically diverse communities. Currently, PPLM provides over 90% of abortion care in these areas. While there have been great strides made toward closing health care disparities in Massachusetts, stigma and systemic racism still prevent many who have been historically excluded from health care from accessing the full range of sexual and reproductive care. 


Through public health data our experts identified quantifiable goals to narrow the gaps in access, rooted in equitable practice and reducing stigma. We have developed strategies that traverse health care, education, community building, and advocacy to reach new communities and empower patients to seek care and make the best choices for themselves and their families.

Get Real Teen Council IG

Get Real Teen Council IG

Get Real Teen Council IG

Get Real Teen Council IG

  • The Get Real Teen Council (GRTC) is PPLM’s youth education and leadership  program, training 10th-12th grade students as peer educators and advocates. Despite setbacks such as COVID lockdown and social distancing taking a toll on the mental health of students, GRTC has rebounded, with 22 students participating in the 2023-2024 school year, reaching more than 2,300 young people through workshops and peer-to-peer conversations.


  • PPLM’s unique, bilingual parent education curriculum Let’s Be Honest/Seamos Honestos is designed to empower caregivers to become the primary sexuality educator for their kids. Let’s Be Honest/Seamos Honestos reaches more than 1,500 adults across Massachusetts each year, with approximately 50% of workshops conducted in Spanish, aligning with some of our priority populations.

  • In 2021, following a decade of community building and public education efforts, comprehensive sex education was offered to K-12 students in Worcester public schools for the first time. PPLM was a key leader of Worcester Youth Deserve, a coalition of community organizations and leaders that worked toward improved educational, economic, and social outcomes for Worcester youth.

  • The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approved a new health and physical education framework in 2023 that includes vital aspects of effective sexual health education: consent; LGBTQ+ inclusivity; and age-appropriate, medically accurate lessons. This was the first update to sex education requirements in Massachusetts in nearly 20 years.


  • PPLM was awarded a $5M, five-year federal grant to evaluate our Get Real High School sex education cirriculum. The goal is for our curriculum to be positively evaluated for effectiveness and eventually added to the US Health and Human Services’ List of Evidence-based Programs for Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP). 

  • The Get Real Teen Council (GRTC) is PPLM’s youth education and leadership  program, training 10th-12th grade students as peer educators and advocates. Despite setbacks such as COVID lockdown and social distancing taking a toll on the mental health of students, GRTC has rebounded, with 22 students participating in the 2023-2024 school year, reaching more than 2,300 young people through workshops and peer-to-peer conversations.


  • PPLM’s unique, bilingual parent education curriculum Let’s Be Honest/Seamos Honestos is designed to empower caregivers to become the primary sexuality educator for their kids. Let’s Be Honest/Seamos Honestos reaches more than 1,500 adults across Massachusetts each year, with approximately 50% of workshops conducted in Spanish, aligning with some of our priority populations.

  • In 2021, following a decade of community building and public education efforts, comprehensive sex education was offered to K-12 students in Worcester public schools for the first time. PPLM was a key leader of Worcester Youth Deserve, a coalition of community organizations and leaders that worked toward improved educational, economic, and social outcomes for Worcester youth.

  • The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approved a new health and physical education framework in 2023 that includes vital aspects of effective sexual health education: consent; LGBTQ+ inclusivity; and age-appropriate, medically accurate lessons. This was the first update to sex education requirements in Massachusetts in nearly 20 years.


  • PPLM was awarded a $5M, five-year federal grant to evaluate our Get Real High School sex education cirriculum. The goal is for our curriculum to be positively evaluated for effectiveness and eventually added to the US Health and Human Services’ List of Evidence-based Programs for Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP). 

  • The Get Real Teen Council (GRTC) is PPLM’s youth education and leadership  program, training 10th-12th grade students as peer educators and advocates. Despite setbacks such as COVID lockdown and social distancing taking a toll on the mental health of students, GRTC has rebounded, with 22 students participating in the 2023-2024 school year, reaching more than 2,300 young people through workshops and peer-to-peer conversations.


  • PPLM’s unique, bilingual parent education curriculum Let’s Be Honest/Seamos Honestos is designed to empower caregivers to become the primary sexuality educator for their kids. Let’s Be Honest/Seamos Honestos reaches more than 1,500 adults across Massachusetts each year, with approximately 50% of workshops conducted in Spanish, aligning with some of our priority populations.

  • In 2021, following a decade of community building and public education efforts, comprehensive sex education was offered to K-12 students in Worcester public schools for the first time. PPLM was a key leader of Worcester Youth Deserve, a coalition of community organizations and leaders that worked toward improved educational, economic, and social outcomes for Worcester youth.

  • The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approved a new health and physical education framework in 2023 that includes vital aspects of effective sexual health education: consent; LGBTQ+ inclusivity; and age-appropriate, medically accurate lessons. This was the first update to sex education requirements in Massachusetts in nearly 20 years.


  • PPLM was awarded a $5M, five-year federal grant to evaluate our Get Real High School sex education cirriculum. The goal is for our curriculum to be positively evaluated for effectiveness and eventually added to the US Health and Human Services’ List of Evidence-based Programs for Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP). 

  • The Get Real Teen Council (GRTC) is PPLM’s youth education and leadership  program, training 10th-12th grade students as peer educators and advocates. Despite setbacks such as COVID lockdown and social distancing taking a toll on the mental health of students, GRTC has rebounded, with 22 students participating in the 2023-2024 school year, reaching more than 2,300 young people through workshops and peer-to-peer conversations.


  • PPLM’s unique, bilingual parent education curriculum Let’s Be Honest/Seamos Honestos is designed to empower caregivers to become the primary sexuality educator for their kids. Let’s Be Honest/Seamos Honestos reaches more than 1,500 adults across Massachusetts each year, with approximately 50% of workshops conducted in Spanish, aligning with some of our priority populations.

  • In 2021, following a decade of community building and public education efforts, comprehensive sex education was offered to K-12 students in Worcester public schools for the first time. PPLM was a key leader of Worcester Youth Deserve, a coalition of community organizations and leaders that worked toward improved educational, economic, and social outcomes for Worcester youth.

  • The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approved a new health and physical education framework in 2023 that includes vital aspects of effective sexual health education: consent; LGBTQ+ inclusivity; and age-appropriate, medically accurate lessons. This was the first update to sex education requirements in Massachusetts in nearly 20 years.


  • PPLM was awarded a $5M, five-year federal grant to evaluate our Get Real High School sex education cirriculum. The goal is for our curriculum to be positively evaluated for effectiveness and eventually added to the US Health and Human Services’ List of Evidence-based Programs for Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP). 

PPLM provides over 90% of abortion care in greater Worcester and Springfield

In 2021, PPLM helped lead a coalition bringing sex ed to Worcester K–12 for the first time.

PPLM provides over 90% of abortion care in greater Worcester and Springfield

We led a decade-long fight to implement sex education in Worcester public schools

  • This innovative program is in extreme risk of being defunded in the Trump administration

  • This innovative program is in extreme risk of being defunded in the Trump administration

  • This innovative program is in extreme risk of being defunded in the Trump administration

  • This innovative program is in extreme risk of being defunded in the Trump administration

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Transforming Health Care Delivery

Over the past five years we have experienced significant shifts in how we care for patients, where we meet them, and what we are able to offer. With barriers to care like the cost and time of travel, lost wages, and childcare, we are developing new strategies and testing novel solutions to ensure that care is accessible, affordable, and exceptional. We are harnessing technology and utilizing our own research to improve and innovate. PPLM is at the vanguard of care delivery for the tens of thousands of people we serve.

“From beginning to end my entire very emotional visit was handled with respect, care, patience and humbleness. Every single person that I encountered from reception to the ultrasound to intake to the procedure nurses, the doctor and recovery nurses. I couldn't of asked for a better experience in such a difficult time. The nurse at my head was amazing! Thank you to you all.”


Patient, age 37, Springfield Health Center

More than 90% of survey respondents would recommend PPLM providers to their family and friends.

  • PPLM launched a telehealth program at the onset of the COVID pandemic, rapidly expanding access to our services statewide,  including virtual visits for birth control, medication abortion, training  on gender affirming hormone administration; at-home STI kits; and  HIV prevention care.


  • Informed by patient feedback and our own clinical research, we have expanded PPLM’s scope of services to include treatments for menopause and erectile dysfunction, and we have expanded pain management options for IUD insertion and removals, colposcopies, and loop electrosurgical excision procedures for cervical cancer prevention. Only 4% of providers across the country offer sedation during these appointments, which can help patients manage pain and anxiety, and PPLM is one of them.


  • Patients are prompted to give feedback through surveys following their appointments and PPLM consistently has some of the highest scores across all Planned Parenthood affiliates.

  • PPLM launched a telehealth program at the onset of the COVID pandemic, rapidly expanding access to our services statewide,  including virtual visits for birth control, medication abortion, training  on gender affirming hormone administration; at-home STI kits; and  HIV prevention care.


  • Informed by patient feedback and our own clinical research, we have expanded PPLM’s scope of services to include treatments for menopause and erectile dysfunction, and we have expanded pain management options for IUD insertion and removals, colposcopies, and loop electrosurgical excision procedures for cervical cancer prevention. Only 4% of providers across the country offer sedation during these appointments, which can help patients manage pain and anxiety, and PPLM is one of them.


  • Patients are prompted to give feedback through surveys following their appointments and PPLM consistently has some of the highest scores across all Planned Parenthood affiliates.

  • PPLM launched a telehealth program at the onset of the COVID pandemic, rapidly expanding access to our services statewide,  including virtual visits for birth control, medication abortion, training  on gender affirming hormone administration; at-home STI kits; and  HIV prevention care.


  • Informed by patient feedback and our own clinical research, we have expanded PPLM’s scope of services to include treatments for menopause and erectile dysfunction, and we have expanded pain management options for IUD insertion and removals, colposcopies, and loop electrosurgical excision procedures for cervical cancer prevention. Only 4% of providers across the country offer sedation during these appointments, which can help patients manage pain and anxiety, and PPLM is one of them.


  • Patients are prompted to give feedback through surveys following their appointments and PPLM consistently has some of the highest scores across all Planned Parenthood affiliates.

  • PPLM launched a telehealth program at the onset of the COVID pandemic, rapidly expanding access to our services statewide,  including virtual visits for birth control, medication abortion, training  on gender affirming hormone administration; at-home STI kits; and  HIV prevention care.


  • Informed by patient feedback and our own clinical research, we have expanded PPLM’s scope of services to include treatments for menopause and erectile dysfunction, and we have expanded pain management options for IUD insertion and removals, colposcopies, and loop electrosurgical excision procedures for cervical cancer prevention. Only 4% of providers across the country offer sedation during these appointments, which can help patients manage pain and anxiety, and PPLM is one of them.


  • Patients are prompted to give feedback through surveys following their appointments and PPLM consistently has some of the highest scores across all Planned Parenthood affiliates.

In 2025, PPLM ranked in the top 25% of medical practices nationwide

More than 90% of

survey respondents would recommend PPLM providers to their family and friends.

In 2025, PPLM ranked in the top 25% of medical practices nationwide

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04

Leveraging Our Expertise

Leveraging
Our Expertise

PPLM launched the ASPIRE Center for Sexual and Reproductive Health in June 2022 to capitalize on the synergies of three of our high-impact programs: professional education, clinical training, and research. ASPIRE is transforming how practitioners, educators, and other professionals build their competencies, while also innovating the knowledge base with clinical and social science research. ASPIRE provides the infrastructure to catalyze and amplify our impact. The rich collaboration between our research scientists, clinicians, and educators ensures that our programs feature the most current and effective scientific knowledge. ASPIRE provides the infrastructure to catalyze and amplify our impact.

Over the past five years we have published 18 research studies

  • PPLM’s social science research program began the Quality and Equity in Abortion-Seeking Travel (QuEAST) study which will be used to understand the impact of the Dobbs decision on the affordability of and access to reproductive health care for young people with marginalized identities traveling for abortion care. By documenting these outcomes and disseminating them to policymakers and the public, we seek to increase awareness of inequities in abortion access and affordability, and the health implications in Massachusetts and nationally.

  • PPLM’s social science research program began the Quality and Equity in Abortion-Seeking Travel (QuEAST) study which will be used to understand the impact of the Dobbs decision and abortion bans on young people’s ability to access and afford care, especially those with marginalized identities who are traveling from restrictive states. By documenting these outcomes and disseminating them to policymakers and the public, we seek to increase awareness of inequities in abortion access and the health implications in Massachusetts and nationally.
     

  • ASPIRE published results from the Minor Abortion Access Research and Advocacy Project (MAARAP) in the Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights and Social Justice. MAARAP analyzes the post-Roe legal landscape for young people and identifies opportunities for states to eliminate barriers for minors seeking abortion, especially in abortion protective states.

  • PPLM’s social science research program began the Quality and Equity in Abortion-Seeking Travel (QuEAST) study which will be used to understand the impact of the Dobbs decision on the affordability of and access to reproductive health care for young people with marginalized identities traveling for abortion care. By documenting these outcomes and disseminating them to policymakers and the public, we seek to increase awareness of inequities in abortion access and affordability, and the health implications in Massachusetts and nationally.

  • PPLM’s social science research program began the Quality and Equity in Abortion-Seeking Travel (QuEAST) study which will be used to understand the impact of the Dobbs decision and abortion bans on young people’s ability to access and afford care, especially those with marginalized identities who are traveling from restrictive states. By documenting these outcomes and disseminating them to policymakers and the public, we seek to increase awareness of inequities in abortion access and the health implications in Massachusetts and nationally.
     

  • ASPIRE published results from the Minor Abortion Access Research and Advocacy Project (MAARAP) in the Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights and Social Justice. MAARAP analyzes the post-Roe legal landscape for young people and identifies opportunities for states to eliminate barriers for minors seeking abortion, especially in abortion protective states.

  • PPLM’s social science research program began the Quality and Equity in Abortion-Seeking Travel (QuEAST) study which will be used to understand the impact of the Dobbs decision on the affordability of and access to reproductive health care for young people with marginalized identities traveling for abortion care. By documenting these outcomes and disseminating them to policymakers and the public, we seek to increase awareness of inequities in abortion access and affordability, and the health implications in Massachusetts and nationally.

  • PPLM’s social science research program began the Quality and Equity in Abortion-Seeking Travel (QuEAST) study which will be used to understand the impact of the Dobbs decision and abortion bans on young people’s ability to access and afford care, especially those with marginalized identities who are traveling from restrictive states. By documenting these outcomes and disseminating them to policymakers and the public, we seek to increase awareness of inequities in abortion access and the health implications in Massachusetts and nationally.
     

  • ASPIRE published results from the Minor Abortion Access Research and Advocacy Project (MAARAP) in the Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights and Social Justice. MAARAP analyzes the post-Roe legal landscape for young people and identifies opportunities for states to eliminate barriers for minors seeking abortion, especially in abortion protective states.

  • PPLM’s social science research program began the Quality and Equity in Abortion-Seeking Travel (QuEAST) study which will be used to understand the impact of the Dobbs decision on the affordability of and access to reproductive health care for young people with marginalized identities traveling for abortion care. By documenting these outcomes and disseminating them to policymakers and the public, we seek to increase awareness of inequities in abortion access and affordability, and the health implications in Massachusetts and nationally.

  • PPLM’s social science research program began the Quality and Equity in Abortion-Seeking Travel (QuEAST) study which will be used to understand the impact of the Dobbs decision and abortion bans on young people’s ability to access and afford care, especially those with marginalized identities who are traveling from restrictive states. By documenting these outcomes and disseminating them to policymakers and the public, we seek to increase awareness of inequities in abortion access and the health implications in Massachusetts and nationally.
     

  • ASPIRE published results from the Minor Abortion Access Research and Advocacy Project (MAARAP) in the Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights and Social Justice. MAARAP analyzes the post-Roe legal landscape for young people and identifies opportunities for states to eliminate barriers for minors seeking abortion, especially in abortion protective states.

PPLM research has been utilized in policy work in Rhode Island and New York state

Over the past five years we have published 18 research studies

PPLM research has been utilized in policy work in Rhode Island and New York state

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Expanding People Power

The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts (PPAF) is the political and advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM). PPAF protects and expands access to sexual and reproductive health care by advocating for policies and laws that support reproductive rights. Our team engages organizations and supporters to take action on issues like abortion access, sex education, and health equity, working with lawmakers to ensure that reproductive health remains a priority in public policy decisions.

  • PPAF led a coalition for the passage of the ROE Act that codifies the right to abortion in Massachusetts; allows young adults 16 and over to access abortion without a judge or parent’s permission; and improves access to abortion later in pregnancy.


  • Following the Dobbs decision PPAF co-founded the Beyond ROE Coalition with the ACLU of Massachusetts and Reproductive Equity now, to collectively advocate for new protections for sexual and reproductive health care, and a shield law for providers of abortion and gender-affirming care.


  • We championed funding for a first-ever state-funded public education campaign to mitigate the harm caused by anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs). Our research findings were integrated into community outreach work so that we can help patients find safe, unbiased health care.

  • PPAF led a coalition for the passage of the ROE Act that codifies the right to abortion in Massachusetts; allows young adults 16 and over to access abortion without a judge or parent’s permission; and improves access to abortion later in pregnancy.


  • Following the Dobbs decision PPAF co-founded the Beyond ROE Coalition with the ACLU of Massachusetts and Reproductive Equity now, to collectively advocate for new protections for sexual and reproductive health care, and a shield law for providers of abortion and gender-affirming care.


  • We championed funding for a first-ever state-funded public education campaign to mitigate the harm caused by anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs). Our research findings were integrated into community outreach work so that we can help patients find safe, unbiased health care.

  • PPAF led a coalition for the passage of the ROE Act that codifies the right to abortion in Massachusetts; allows young adults 16 and over to access abortion without a judge or parent’s permission; and improves access to abortion later in pregnancy.


  • Following the Dobbs decision PPAF co-founded the Beyond ROE Coalition with the ACLU of Massachusetts and Reproductive Equity now, to collectively advocate for new protections for sexual and reproductive health care, and a shield law for providers of abortion and gender-affirming care.


  • We championed funding for a first-ever state-funded public education campaign to mitigate the harm caused by anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs). Our research findings were integrated into community outreach work so that we can help patients find safe, unbiased health care.

  • PPAF led a coalition for the passage of the ROE Act that codifies the right to abortion in Massachusetts; allows young adults 16 and over to access abortion without a judge or parent’s permission; and improves access to abortion later in pregnancy.


  • Following the Dobbs decision PPAF co-founded the Beyond ROE Coalition with the ACLU of Massachusetts and Reproductive Equity now, to collectively advocate for new protections for sexual and reproductive health care, and a shield law for providers of abortion and gender-affirming care.


  • We championed funding for a first-ever state-funded public education campaign to mitigate the harm caused by anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs). Our research findings were integrated into community outreach work so that we can help patients find safe, unbiased health care.

In 2023, MassHealth significantly increased reimbursement rates for patient care, a major win for PPLM’s ability to keep care accessible for patients.

In 2022, over 10,000 supporters mobilized for Bans Off Our Bodies Day of Action within two weeks of the Dobbs decision leak.

In 2022, over 10,000 supporters mobilized for Bans Off Our Bodies Day of Action within two weeks of the Dobbs decision leak.

In 2023, MassHealth significantly increased reimbursement rates for patient care, a major win for PPLM’s ability to keep care accessible for patients.

Campaign Leadership

Co-Chairs

Co-Chairs

Co-Chairs

Wanda McClain

Judy Bigby, MD

Sandro Galea, MD

Renee Landers, Esq.

Landis Becker Young

Honorary

Co-Chairs

Honorary Co-Chairs

Honorary

Co-Chairs

Hon. Deval Patrick

Diane Patrick, Esq.

Steering Members

Steering Members

Steering Members

Alicia Abad

Lucy Chie

Alexis Egan

Chuck Farkas

Ilene Greenberg

Frank Herron

Patti Kraft

Christian LoBue

Jojo Longnecker

Nina Longtine

Lindsay McNair

Joan Sapir

Key Staff

Key Staff

Key Staff

Dominique Lee

President and CEO

MaryRose Mazzola

Executive Director of Planned Parent

Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts

Asia Watson

Vice President of Development

Arianne Arnold

Senior Major Gifts Officer

Jennifer Gaudette

Events and Donor Experience

Claire Passey

Director of Development Operations

Shikshya Rajbhadari

Senior Campaign Coordinator

This campaign was a leap of faith; conceived in 2019, launched at the onset of the COVID pandemic, and persevered throughout the tumultuous next five years. Through the extraordinary dedication of our donors, partners, stakeholders, and supporters we have surpassed our goals. At each milestone and setback, you were here to buoy Focus Local and our movement. The successful completion of this comprehensive campaign moves us closer to a more equitable future that we look forward to sharing with you.


In this together,

Steering Committee and PPLM Leadership & Staff

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® 2025 Planned Parenthood

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