The leader of the nation's oldest reproductive healthcare and advocacy organization warned an audience of 200 last night at Heritage Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center that the future of women's reproductive rights in the United States is in jeopardy.

In her presentation, "The Politics of Reproductive Rights: Why Are We Still Fighting?," Gloria Feldt, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said the freedom American women have been granted since Roe v. Wade hangs by "the most fragile thread."

Feldt repeatedly called for "eternal vigilance" in the face of those who threaten women's reproductive rights. She told the largely female student audience that the fight was in their hands. "Nothing less than your future is at stake," Feldt said. "We all have to fight this battle."

Feldt pointed to the 5-4 majority of U.S. Supreme Court justices that support Roe. She said it is almost certain President George W. Bush will appoint an anti-Roe justice during his term.

"We thought we had it won," Feldt said. "But in a democracy, nothing is won forever. Every victory requires vigilance."

Feldt said knowledge about emergency contraception, health insurance coverage for women's contraception, and better sexual education in the nation's schools are just some of the issues on the Planned Parenthood agenda.

"It is never enough to just try to hold on to what you have," Feldt said. "We must always fight for policies to extend reproductive freedom to those who don't have it." She also said that Planned Parenthood, which opened a medical clinic in State College last June, is organizing a chapter of Vox, a youth-based division of the organization, at Penn State. She urged the young men and women in the audience to get involved.

"You'd be amazed at the impact you can have," Feldt said.

Laurie Rosenberger, co-director of Womyn's Concerns at Penn State, said a group like Vox would be a welcome addition and hopes to see them work in concert with organizations like the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance and the Penn State College Democrats.

"Having a group that specifically works for reproductive rights will be a good thing," Rosenberger said.

Rosenberger, who introduced Feldt, said she was happy to see a woman with Feldt's experience come to PSU.

"I hope it creates more of a dialogue about how important the issue is."