The CEO of Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, Betty Cockrum, is retiring after 15 years of running one of the Planned Parenthood abortion businesses top affiliates. Betty Cockrum stated that running the abortion business is just no fun anymore. According to reports, Cockrum plans to return in June after 15 years of running the abortion company.
Planned Parenthood in Indiana and Kentucky operates a total of 19 clinics that perform abortions or refer women for abortion. Planned Parenthood’s change in leadership comes as the company is facing increased opposition in the country and a possibility of decreased government funding.
According to Cockrum, leading the company has been a roller coaster ride. She stated that the extraordinary abiding support is significant. The organization has 170 employees and an annual budget of $16 million. Cockrum stated that the job was both mentally and physically exhausting. In a classified ad, Planned Parenthood said that the next president and CEO must take on the challenge and opportunity to shape public policy and to engage new advocates who continue to fight for reproductive choice and justice.
According to Cathie Humbarger, Indiana Right to Life Vice President of Policy Enforcement that they understand why Cockrum is leaving her post. She said that life is winning in the court of public opinion and that the only victories the abortion industry gets is in the courts. Abortions are down as Millennials are increasingly identifying themselves as pro-life. Planned Parenthood had to shut down five facilities in Indiana last year. Women are realizing that they can get better healthcare and for a better price elsewhere as reported in an article by LifeNews.com
Betty Cockrum started with Planned Parenthood in 2001 after working as a state budget director and head of the Department of Administration for former Gov. Frank O’Bannon. At age 63, Cockrum has led Planned Parenthood through expansions as well as tumultuous times. According to her, she looks forward to more time for wine, cooking with friends and going to movies according to a report by INDYSTAR.
