PSN pays tribute to Amy Coen

10 March 2011

Source: PSN & PAI

PSN was deeply saddened to learn that Amy Coen, the greatly admired international spokesperson and activist on population and women’s reproductive health issues, passed away on February 28th after a year and half long battle with cancer.

In tribute

Amy’s professional accomplishments were many, having dedicated over 30 years to promoting women’s rights and improving women’s health and well-being. For 12 years Amy served as the President of Population Action International (PAI).

Under Amy’s leadership, PAI helped secure major victories for reproductive health and rights worldwide, including the repeal of the Global Gag Rule by President Obama and the return of the United States as a contributor to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

Prior to her presidency at PAI, Amy served for 13 years as the President and CEO of Planned Parenthood/Chicago, providing family planning and related medical services to over 55,000 people each year.

PSN Co-Ordinator Karen Newman recalls Amy’s kindness in inviting her to give a brown bag lunch talk at PAI on the links between population dynamics and climate change, and the warmth of her welcome.

“I still have a note Amy sent me after that session; she was an inspiration to many of us; a dedicated fighter for women’s rights, and a persuasive advocate for action on population; she told me that, when others were rebranding away from this issue, it wasn’t an accident that PAI retained “Population” in their name. For her energy, enthusiasm and good humour, she will be sorely missed.”

The Amy Coen International Leadership Fellowship

To honor Amy's life and work, Population Action International has established the Amy Coen International Leadership Fellowship fund. The fund will support the next generation of leaders around the world in reproductive health and population.

Further information about the fund please is available on the PAI website.