For further information:
Jessica Rodgers, 202-626-8825, mediarelations@nrlc.org

National Right to Life Mourns the Death of Dr. Mildred F. Jefferson

WASHINGTON -- Today, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) joined with pro-lifers nationwide in mourning the death of former NRLC president Dr. Mildred Fay Jefferson. A resident of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Dr. Jefferson was currently serving as an at-large director on the NRLC board of directors.

NRLC Photo: Dr. Jefferson at the 2008 National Right to Life Convention.

"The right-to-life movement has lost a champion and a pioneer. And we have lost a dear friend," said Darla St. Martin, NRLC co-executive Director. "Mildred Jefferson was a valued colleague in our fight for the most vulnerable members of our society and she will be greatly missed."

A committed political activist and recipient of numerous accolades and honors, for much of the past four decades, Dr. Jefferson devoted her talents and her life to the right-to-life movement. Known for her passion, charisma and eloquence, she was a frequent spokesperson appearing in countless media outlets and addressing many academic institutions. Dr. Jefferson was also a sought-after speaker at right-to-life conventions, rallies, and banquets across the country.

She was among one of the founders of NRLC and was elected as vice-chairman of the board in June 1973. She subsequently served as chairman of the board and, from 1975-1978, served three consecutive terms as NRLC president.

Dr. Jefferson's constant outreach to all pro-life people, regardless of background, was a hallmark of her activism. Writing as president in the 1977 NRLC convention journal, Jefferson noted:

"We come together from all parts of our land...We come rich and poor, proud and plain, religious and agnostic, politically committed and independent...The right-to-life cause is not the concern of only a special few but it should be the cause of all those who care about fairness and justice, love and compassion and liberty with law..."

"Mildred Jefferson used every forum available to educate America and encourage people of all ages to become active in the right-to-life movement," St. Martin added. "Her legacy will be the countless people - most especially young people - that she brought to the movement by her constant presence and tireless dedication to the cause of life."

The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of 50 state right-to-life groups and more than 3,000 local chapters nationwide, is the nation's largest pro-life group. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect those threatened by abortion, infanticide, euthanasia and assisted suicide.