Kari Ann Rinker

Kari Ann Rinker is a former State Coordinator and Lobbyist for Kansas NOW. She has testified in numerous legislative hearings on issues ranging from the State ERA, Domestic Violence, Voter ID and Reproductive Rights.
Since the assassination of Dr. George Tiller, Kari Ann has devoted much of her time toward grassroots activism and legislative action for women’s access to safe and legal abortion. Kari Ann been a visible force in both Kansas and National media speaking out on women’s issues effecting Kansas. She has appeared on MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow and the Lawrence O’Donnell Shows, NPR and been quoted in the Los Angeles Times. She traveled to Nebraska to help defend the clinic of Dr. Leroy Carhart in 2009 and again to his clinic in Maryland 2011.

She has a B.S. in Organizational Management and Leadership from Friends University and a Masters of Public Administration and a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Wichita State University.

South Dakota’s 2012 Legislative Session: Another One Just Like the Last One

Kari Ann Rinker

If South Dakota provides us with any indication, it looks like 2012 will most likely be a sad repeat of 2011.  Just one state among many that contributed to the drastic and unprecedented increase in abortion provisions attempted and enacted at the state level during 2011.  Another state clamoring for the chance to regulate, harass and restrict abortion out of extinction within its borders.  

After the EC Decision, A Lifelong, Third Generation Democrat Wonders Where She Belongs

Kari Ann Rinker

Today’s news about our own Kathleen Sebelius’ overruling the FDA on EC for youth in need of pregnancy prevention is cause for a second continuous day for disappointment.  This act serves as one more nail in the women’s rights coffin… jointly constructed by the Republican AND Democratic Party.  As a lifelong, 3rd generation Democrat, I feel like a red-headed stepchild born of two blond parents, slightly out of place and wondering to whom I really belong. 

In Kansas, A Public Conference Reveals Deep Contempt for the Poor and for Women

Kari Ann Rinker

What young women need (beyond the obvious need for greater access to low cost birth control and improved sex education in schools) is a boost to their self-esteem, mentors, and to be told that they possess greatness within themselves beyond what can be obtained by any man, babies, money, drugs or alcohol. They sure don't need the condescending and biased advice of Sam Brownback and the Heritage Foundation.