Gloria Steinem extends personal invite to Women’s Health Centers of WV & MD for ‘Feminist Talking Circle’

PRESS RELEASE:

CHARLESTON, W.Va. & CUMBERLAND, MD. – Nearly fifty years after the founding of the Women’s Health Center of West Virginia—the state’s first abortion clinic—the organization expanded its mission across state lines with the establishment of the Women’s Health Center of Maryland, just five miles from the border, in direct response to the reversal of Roe v. Wade. In October, this legacy of feminist leadership came full circle when the leadership from both the West Virginia and Maryland clinics were invited by Gloria Steinem to host a Talking Circle at her New York City home. 

The intimate gathering brought together reproductive justice and LGBTQIA+ advocates from across the country to share frontline stories, reflect on the state of abortion access post-Roe, and strategize for a more liberated future of care. 

“The future depends entirely on what each of us does every day,” said Gloria Steinem during the Talking Circle. “A movement is only people moving.” 

As a direct outcome of the Talking Circle, the eight participating clinics have launched a joint fundraising campaign Care Across Border: Independent Clinics, United in Strength, a unified effort to sustain independent providers offering abortion and gender-affirming care in communities most impacted by restrictive laws. 

“Being in the presence of Gloria Steinem—whose legacy makes our work possible—reminded us that the future is shaped by the courage, power, and solidarity of our communities,” said Danielle Maness, Interim Executive Director. “We hope this gathering reminds folks that we have the power to strategize together to make change—we are the difference between community care and corporate care.” 

A Lifeline for Appalachia 

Since the fall of Roe v. Wade, the Centers have served thousands of patients seeking reproductive health care, wellness exams, contraception, cancer screenings, gender-affirming hormone therapy, and harm reduction services. In the last three years: 

● WHC WV (Charleston): Has seen a 43% increase in patients for annual care, including gender-affirming hormone therapy—the only provider in West Virginia actively advertising this service. 

● WHC MD (Cumberland): Has served almost 2,000 patients; half travel from restricted-access states. The only provider of gender-affirming hormone therapy for minors between Western Maryland and Illinois.

● WHC Choice Fund: Has distributed $360,000 to support 720 patients, ensuring no one is denied an abortion due to financial barriers. 

Not a Moment to Shy Away 

“We have always known no politician was coming to save us, the power lies within our communities,” said Ramsie Monk, Development Director. “As we enter year fifty of providing care, we need our community to roll up their sleeves with us and take care of one another.” 

Building on the momentum of the Talking Circle, WHC will host Care Across Borders: An Evening to Support the Fight for Reproductive Freedom & LGBTQIA+ Rights in Appalachia and Beyond at Pace Prints, NYC, on November 18. The event will feature an art auction curated by West Virginia native Jacob Lewis and cuisine from James Beard–nominated chefs Amy Dawson and Mike Costello. 

Call to Action 

WHC has set a $3.2 million goal by June 30, 2026, with $500,000 needed by December 31, 2025, to expand care, strengthen clinics, and defend reproductive freedom and LGBTQIA+ rights. Donate today to keep this movement alive. 

Contact: Women’s Health Center of West Virginia & Maryland 

Beth Orr, Communications Ramsie Monk, Director of Development womenshealthwvmd@gmail.com | 917-716-1754 ramsie@womenshealthwv.org | 304-344-9834 

About Women’s Health Centers of West Virginia and Maryland 

The Women’s Health Centers of West Virginia and Maryland provide compassionate, high-quality reproductive healthcare to patients across Appalachia. 

The Women’s Health Center of West Virginia, located on Charleston’s West Side, has served the community for nearly fifty years as the state’s first abortion provider. The clinic offers affordable, inclusive care including annual exams, contraception, cancer screenings, pregnancy and parenting support, STI testing and treatment, harm reduction, and gender-affirming hormone therapy—care without judgment, just healthcare. 

WHC’s sibling clinic, Women’s Health Center of Maryland, located in Cumberland, opened in 2023 to ensure continued access to abortion and reproductive healthcare for patients from West Virginia and neighboring Appalachian communities following the reversal of Roe v. Wade. The Center provides abortion care, gynecological services, contraception, STI testing and treatment, and gender-affirming hormone therapy in a welcoming, patient-centered environment. 

Together, both Centers carry forward a shared legacy of reproductive liberation, community care, and commitment to the health and dignity of all people. Learn more at: https://www.womenshealthmd.org/ | https://www.womenshealthwv.org/