CAF Activist Spotlight: Dr. Harry Chen
As we celebrate 40 years of CAF, we will be honoring activists and partners, past and present, who have shaped our work and strengthened abortion access.
This month, we’re proud to spotlight Dr. Harry Chen. He has supported reproductive health and autonomy for decades as a father and emergency physician, state legislator and former Vermont health commissioner. His lifelong commitment to reproductive freedom continues to inspire those around him and across the country.
In 2022, as Treasurer of a political action committee supporting Vermont’s Reproductive Liberty Amendment, Dr. Chen helped secure a landmark victory with 77% of Vermonters voting to enshrine reproductive autonomy in the state constitution.
Today, as Board Chair of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, Dr. Chen continues to defend reproductive access across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. But his connection to CAF began through family. His daughter, Laurel, who lived in Chicago for five years, introduced him to the Chicago Abortion Fund and encouraged him to join Team CAF for this year’s Chicago Half Marathon & 5K.
“If you know Laurel,” Dr. Chen shared, “you understand that it’s hard to say no to her.”
Team CAF, including Laurel and Dr. Chen, raced for abortion access last month, on September 28th. Collectively, the team of 40 people raised over $20,000 to directly support CAF callers and break down barriers to abortion care.
When he began fundraising, Dr. Chen’s outreach sparked new conversations with friends and family about abortion access. “I used the Chicago Half Marathon & 5K as an opportunity to reach out to people I care about across the country,” he said. “I’m glad to say they came through for me and CAF.”
Reflecting on his efforts, Dr. Chen shared, “The Chicago Abortion Fund continues a long tradition in Chicago of activism in reproductive health and justice. I’m grateful for all that you do for people traveling to Illinois for care.”
Dr. Harry Chen’s work, and the incredible efforts of all 40 members of Team CAF, reminds us that when families and communities come together, we can move closer to a future where everyone can access the abortion they want, need, and deserve.