Beverly Whipple is a longtime women’s health activist and leader who helped transform abortion access and feminist health care in Washington State. In 1979, at age 27, she co-founded the Feminist Women’s Health Center – Cedar River Clinics. Though not a medical professional at the time, Beverly came to the work through the 1970s feminist self-help movement, which emphasized empowering women to understand and take control of their bodies and reproductive lives.
Beverly served as Executive Director of Cedar River Clinics – Feminist Women’s Health Center until her retirement in 2014. Under her leadership, five clinics were established and abortion services expanded to 26 weeks gestation. In the clinic’s early years, she trained University of Washington residents to provide abortion care. This work later evolved into a formal partnership with the University of Washington in the early 2000s, integrating Cedar River Clinics into clinical rotations for fellows and residents. Beverly’s advocacy has extended nationally. She has testified before the United States Senate Judiciary Committee (specifically the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights) regarding Abortion Clinic Violence. She has served on the board of directors for the National Abortion Federation and currently, Whole Woman’s Health Alliance.
Beverly’s contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2014 National Abortion Federation C. Lalor Burdick Award for Unsung Heroes and the 2018 National Women’s Health Network Barbara Seaman Award for Activism in Women’s Health.
She holds a BA in Music Education and taught beginning and junior high band before founding the clinic. A lifelong musician, Beverly has played keyboards in rock-and-roll bands and once opened for Leon Russell. She is now retired and lives in Washington State.