NOW-NYS Millennium Summit: To Your Health!
Christa Burns

The 1999 New York State NOW Convention was held December 11&12 at the Gideon Putman Hotel in Saratoga Springs. Hosted by Saratoga NOW, the event was opened Saturday morning with welcoming speeches by Lois J. Shapiro-Canter, NOW-NYS President, and Janice Burns, Saratoga NOW President & Convention Chair.

In her President’s Message in the convention program, Lois Shapiro-Canter explains, “Health care and reproductive rights are two of the most critical issues women will face in the next century. Although women make up the majority of our population, our specific needs are often overlooked in public policy debates. That is why the National Organization for Women-New York State is presenting this Millennium Summit to showcase New York State’s women and their health-related needs.”

Workshops were held on a variety of topics covering many health care concerns impacting women.  Forums on pregnancy & drug use, the religious right & women’s health, breast cancer, advertising’s affect on body image, lesbian health care issues, alternative healing and malpractice, among others, were very well attended. Thought provoking discussions were held and many resolutions were brought to the floor during the plenary session on
Sunday.

Highlighting Saturday’s luncheon was the keynote address by famed attorney Sarah Weddington. On January 22, 1973, she won the landmark case Roe v. Wade before the United States Supreme Court. Her first book, A Question of Choice, documents the case, recalls the time before Roe, and details the subsequent developments in the abortion rights movement.  About the day of oral arguments she said, “It was a day that history was in the air.” She gave a moving description of the setting, the spectators, and the entrance of the justices. “When I stood, I felt I was standing to represent the hopes of millions.” Ms. Weddington said that it was our combined efforts that helped win Roe v. Wade, and there are still many issues to work on today. She encouraged the audience to find the energy to work on issues by learning about them, enjoying being together, and being proud of the impact of what we do.

Folk singer and songwriter Pat Humphries performed at Saturday evening’s reception to benefit the NOW-NYS Foundation. Her personal and touching songs captivated the small, but energetic crowd. The entertaining reception was capped off with a rousing sing-along of original and traditional tunes.

During the Closing Plenary on Sunday, the site of the 2000 New York State NOW Convention was selected. Buffalo NOW graciously volunteered and was unanimously accepted at the site for the next convention.