#United States #New York #Abortion in America #Lauren Peterson #Amplify Legal

Abortion in America Expands Leadership with New CEO and Legal Team

Abortion in America is taking significant steps to elevate its mission of raising awareness about the impacts of abortion bans, as evidenced by recent organizational changes. This growing national initiative, co-founded by the late Cecile Richards, Kaitlyn Joshua, and Lauren Peterson in 2024, is dedicated to spotlighting the personal narratives of individuals affected by these bans.

As of November 6, 2025, Lauren Peterson has been named the Chief Executive Officer of Abortion in America. Peterson is not new to the movement; she is a New York Times bestselling author and a veteran advocate for reproductive health. Her expertise stems from her extensive work, including serving on three presidential campaigns. Since the inception of Abortion in America, Peterson has played a key role in defining the organization’s strategic direction. With her promotion, Peterson now takes over the role from her mentor, aligning with the organization's plans for rapid growth in content creation and grassroots organizing. This leadership change coincides with the launch of Amplify Legal, a dedicated litigation arm designed to further the mission of the organization.

Introducing Amplify Legal

Amplify Legal is spearheaded by two experienced leaders in reproductive rights: Molly Duane and Sandy Keenan. Duane comes with a robust legal background, previously serving as senior staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights. Her legal acumen in pivotal cases, such as Zurawski v. Texas, demonstrates her commitment to championing the rights of those harmed by abortion restrictions. Duane's role in these cases showcased her dedication to providing legal support, advising potential plaintiffs on their rights, and striving for accountability through litigation.

Sandy Keenan, on the other hand, has built a reputation as a respected communications strategist and advocate at the Center for Reproductive Rights. Her skills in storytelling and thought leadership make her an invaluable asset to Amplify Legal. She has a commendable track record of guiding patients and families in portraying their experiences regarding the limitations imposed by abortion bans, contributing to the impactful documentary relating to the Zurawski case.

In reflecting on the motives behind the founding of Abortion in America, Peterson emphasized the importance of the individuals' stories, stating that those affected by abortion bans possess a unique ability to influence public opinion. She noted, "We believe the people coming forward with these experiences can drive support for our cause." Indeed, one year into its venture, Abortion in America has successfully cultivated a network comprising over 300 storytellers, effectively shaping narratives that resonate with broader audiences. This proactive approach includes sharing compelling testimonials from individuals like Taylor Edwards, whose story reached millions through a video featured on People.com.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Future

Looking forward, both Duane and Keenan have articulated their dedication to continuing the fight for reproductive rights. Duane expressed her eagerness to use her legal expertise to seek justice for those harmed by anti-abortion policies, asserting, "...I'm eager to keep seeking accountability…" Similarly, Keenan has shared her enthusiasm to join a community committed to compassion and change, stating, "I am joining Abortion in America with immense hope and energy.

The strategic integration of Amplify Legal with the existing framework of Abortion in America represents a powerful coalition aimed at generating public awareness and effecting profound change concerning reproductive rights. As these leaders step into their roles, their efforts and experiences are expected to solidify the organization's standing as a preeminent voice in the advocacy for reproductive freedom. For more information about their work or the organization, visit abortioninamerica.org.

Through storytelling and advocacy, Abortion in America continues to confront the challenges presented by abortion bans, offering a platform for those whose lives have been transformed by these restrictions. The combination of passionate leadership and strategic legal support positions the organization to impact the narrative surrounding reproductive rights actively.