THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Mary-jane R. Snyder

July 25, 1916 – October 27, 2007

“Until there are additional funds for family planning services and research to develop better methods of contraception, women will seek abortion and we will defend their right to choose it.” – Mary-jane R. Snyder, Executive director of Planned Parenthood Chicago, October 14, 1976

One of 28 women who met during the National Conference of the Commission on the Status of Women and founded the National Organization for Women (NOW), 1966. Served as executive director of Planned Parenthood Chicago, 1974–1979; as chair of the Population Institute in Washington, D.C.; a founding board member of the Population Communications Institute. Worked to bring birth control and family planning clinics to women around the world. A lifelong and outspoken proponent for equality for women. President of Mj Enterprises, an international communications and public relations consulting firm. Member of the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women, IL, 1964. Coordinated the PR battle for ratification of the ERA in Illinois.

Photo. Mary-jane R. Snyder, Director of Planned Parenthood Chicago, 1975.