Connie Cook: A Documentary

I am pleased to host a free screening of Connie Cook: A Documentary, a film about a progressive Republican Assemblywoman from Upstate NY who wrote the legislation that decriminalized abortion in New York State in 1970. Connie's efforts were used as a foundation for Roe v. Wade three years later. 

Connie was one of only a few female corporate lawyers in NYC in the 1940’s and an important pioneer in the fight for women’s rights. She was an Assembly Member when there were only two other women members in the 1960’s and early 1970’s. Her efforts regarding abortion became the critical model for the rest of the country. In 1974, she sued the Episcopal Church so that women could be priests -- and she won. 

After the screening, I will host a discussion with the film’s director, Sue Perlgut, and guests from prominent women’s rights groups about what Connie’s message means for us today. 

The screening will take place on Monday, October 17th, from 6pm to 8pm at Marymount Manhattan College, Regina Peruggi Room, 2nd Floor, at 221 East 71st Street. Space is limited, so please RSVP by contacting my office at 212-490-9535, or via email at spasquan@nysenate.gov.