Karen Weinstein  

Karen Weinstein is one of the co-directors of ABORTION AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS 1970. Weinstein – who had her own illegal abortion, blindfolded in a locked room – remembers those very turbulent years before Roe V. Wade, when hundreds of women died from illegal abortions. She became involved in making the “Abortion Film,” as it was then referred to, with the hope that it could be used to save women's lives. After the film, Weinstein continued to fight for women's rights. She trained with Emerge CA to run for office and subsequently held elected office in the area of education. She was Chair of the California Democratic Party Women’s Caucus, as well as Advisor to Close the Gap CA, which is a statewide campaign to achieve gender equality in the Ca. Legislature. She is Policy Chair of the American Association of University Women, Berkeley. She directed three videos: A New Generation of Democratic Women Leaders, Run for the County Central Committee and From Community College to Elected Office. Assembly woman Nancy Skinner named her Woman of the Year and multiple organizations, including California Young Democrats, Berkeley City College, and Democratic Women have given her awards her leadership, contribution to public service and for being an inspiration to young women. (3/23)