Willie Parker Keynote Speaker

OB/GYN specializing in abortions and a reproductive justice advocate
Author, "Life's Work: A Moral Argument for Choice" (2017)
Chairman of the board, Physicians for Reproductive Health

Willie Parker's Biography

Willie J. Parker is an OB/GYN specializing in abortions and a reproductive justice advocate. He is a graduate of Berea College in Kentucky, and holds degrees from the University of Iowa College of Medicine, the Harvard School of Public Health, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Michigan. Board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and trained in preventive medicine and epidemiology through the Centers for Disease Control, Dr. Parker currently provides abortion care for women in AL, MS, PA, GA, and IL, and is the former Medical Director of Planned Parenthood Metropolitan Washington, DC.

He is the physician plaintiff in the federal lawsuit preventing the closure of Mississippi’s only abortion clinic, a case currently in request for hearing by the U.S. Supreme Court.

His work includes a focus on violence against women, sexual assault prevention, and reproductive health rights through advocacy, provision of contraceptive and abortion services, and men’s reproductive health.

He is the chair of the board of Physicians for Reproductive Health, and a board member of The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and URGE. He was recently honored by the United Nations Office of Human Rights as one of twelve Women’s Human Rights Defenders on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the United Nations’ Fourth World Conference on Women. He has also received Planned Parenthood’s Margaret Sanger Award, the organization’s highest award; the “Champions of Choice” Award from NARAL, the oldest abortion rights advocacy group in the US; the George Tiller, MD, Abortion Provider Award from Physicians for Reproductive Health; and the Personal PAC Leadership award, among others.

Reproductive Healthcare and Women's Rights

Leadership, Ethics and Courage in Medicine

Public Health, Equity and Healthcare Access

Preventive Medicine and Improving Health Outcomes

Violence Against Women, Advocacy and Social Justice

He is a leading physician and advocate for reproductive healthcare, helping audiences understand the intersection of medicine, ethics, public health and social justice.
He translates complex healthcare and public policy issues into thoughtful, evidence-based insights, encouraging informed dialogue on reproductive health, patient care and human rights.
He combines decades of frontline clinical experience with leadership in public health and medical advocacy, offering a unique perspective on healthcare access, medical ethics and health equity.
He is recognised internationally for his work advancing reproductive healthcare and preventing violence against women, drawing on experience as a physician, educator and public advocate.
His keynotes inspire healthcare professionals, policymakers and organisational leaders to lead with compassion, uphold evidence-based practice and strengthen equitable access to quality healthcare.