History

The Women's Health and Family Planning Association of Texas (WHFPT) first began to take shape in the early 1970s through the dynamic leadership of community activist Phyllis Van Kerrebrook. A longtime supporter of family planning and a volunteer at Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas, Van Kerrebrook saw the need for coordination between family planning providers in Texas. In other states, most family planning services were provided by Planned Parenthood affiliates. But, here in Texas, a wide range of community health agencies, medical schools and private physicians joined the state’s Planned Parenthood affiliates to offer contraception and reproductive health care to low-income women. Recognizing that these diverse providers could learn from and support one another, Van Kerrebrook and other concerned volunteers incorporated as the Texas Family Planning Association in 1977 to unite the reproductive health care community.

Current Executive Director Peggy Romberg joined the organization in September 1980. During the 1980’s, she oversaw the establishment of the legislative and educational programs that continue today. Ms. Romberg’s leadership has brought increased financial commitment to the organization from family planning providers. The budget has grown from $60,000 in 1980 to $192,000 in 2000.

In the contentious world of politics and reproductive health issues, WHFPT is a strong and respected voice for sound public policy. We have built long-term relationships with policymakers and have established a reputation for integrity, honesty and reliability. Our accomplishments over the years are many and range in scope from the local to the national.