Julie Burkhart is a prominent reproductive rights activist and healthcare provider known for her unwavering commitment to ensuring access to abortion services in some of the most conservative and restrictive areas of the United States. Over the years, she has built a legacy of resilience and advocacy, establishing and operating abortion clinics in regions where healthcare access is limited and legal restrictions on reproductive rights are increasingly severe.
Key Information
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Julie A. Burkhart |
| Date of Birth | 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Kansas, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | – Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from a leading university |
| – Master’s in Public Administration | |
| Occupation | Reproductive rights activist, healthcare provider, and clinic operator |
| Notable Roles | – Founder of Trust Women Foundation |
| – Co-owner of Hope Clinic for Women | |
| – Founder of Wellspring Health Access (Wyoming) | |
| Languages | English |
| Current Residence | Kansas, United States |
| Marital Status | Married, with children |
| Hobbies | – Passionate about advocacy and activism |
| – Enjoys spending time with her family, particularly on outdoor excursions | |
| Personal Values | – Advocates for justice, equality, and healthcare access for all women |
| Awards & Recognition | – TIME 100 Most Influential People (2025) |
| – Recognized as a key leader in the field of reproductive justice | |
| Social Media Presence | Active on platforms supporting reproductive rights and healthcare access |
| Family | Julie is married and has children, and her family has been a source of inspiration for her advocacy work, fueling her commitment to improving healthcare access for future generations. |
| Influences | – Strongly influenced by Dr. George Tiller’s work and commitment to reproductive healthcare, which motivated her career path. |
| Community Involvement | Regularly volunteers for organizations advocating for women’s rights and social justice, in addition to her professional roles in healthcare. |
Early Life and Education
Born in Kansas, Julie Burkhart grew up in a deeply conservative environment. Despite the challenges of living in a state where anti-abortion sentiments ran high, she became passionate about women’s rights and reproductive healthcare. Burkhart’s interest in reproductive justice began early, and she saw firsthand the struggles that women faced in accessing essential healthcare services. After completing her studies, she embarked on a path that would lead her to become one of the most influential advocates for abortion access in the United States.
Career and Advocacy
Julie Burkhart’s career began in the late 1990s, when she first became involved with the Trust Women Foundation. This organization, dedicated to ensuring women’s access to reproductive health services, would become the launchpad for much of her work. Burkhart was deeply inspired by Dr. George Tiller, a renowned abortion provider who was tragically assassinated in 2009. His commitment to providing safe, legal abortions despite constant threats served as a pivotal influence on her.
In the years following Dr. Tiller’s death, Burkhart worked tirelessly to continue his mission. She co-founded and led the Trust Women Foundation, which sought to establish abortion clinics in underserved areas, particularly in Kansas and Oklahoma. Her efforts brought essential services to communities where women were often forced to travel great distances for care. She also played a key role in the opening of clinics in Wichita, Kansas, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Wellspring Health Access and a Landmark Legal Victory
One of Burkhart’s most notable achievements came in 2022 when she opened Wellspring Health Access in Casper, Wyoming. This was the state’s first full-service abortion clinic, providing a crucial healthcare option in a region where such services had previously been unavailable. The clinic’s opening was met with significant opposition, including an arson attack that occurred just days before its grand opening. Despite these challenges, Burkhart remained steadfast in her commitment to providing care and reproductive justice.
In 2024, Burkhart’s persistence paid off when a judge ruled in favor of Wellspring, declaring Wyoming’s near-total abortion ban unconstitutional. This ruling marked a historic legal victory for reproductive rights in the state and demonstrated the power of legal action and advocacy in the fight for women’s healthcare access.
Expanding Access to Care
In addition to her work with Wellspring Health Access, Burkhart continues to be deeply involved in the operation of Hope Clinic for Women in Granite City, Illinois, which serves as a critical access point for patients traveling from neighboring states with restrictive abortion laws. Since the implementation of stringent abortion restrictions in states like Missouri, Illinois has seen a 700% increase in out-of-state patients seeking care at Hope Clinic.
Her work is a testament to her commitment to ensuring that all women, regardless of where they live, have the right to make their own reproductive choices. By opening clinics in key regions, she has expanded healthcare access for many who would otherwise be forced to endure unsafe, often expensive, alternatives.
Recognition and Legacy
Julie Burkhart’s contributions to reproductive rights have earned her widespread recognition. In 2025, she was named to TIME magazine’s prestigious list of the 100 Most Influential People, a testament to her tireless work in the face of adversity. Her inclusion in this list solidified her place as one of the foremost leaders in the movement for reproductive justice.
Burkhart’s influence extends beyond the clinics she operates. She is a prominent speaker, sharing her insights and experiences at conferences, universities, and in the media. Her leadership continues to inspire a new generation of activists and advocates dedicated to ensuring women’s reproductive rights and health.
Personal Life and Values
Despite the demands of her career, Julie Burkhart remains committed to her values of justice, equality, and compassion. As a mother, she is particularly motivated by the desire to create a world where her children and future generations have the freedom to make their own choices without the fear of political or social obstacles.
Her journey has been one of resilience and determination. Burkhart has faced threats, violence, and political pushback but has always remained committed to her mission. She believes that access to abortion is not just a matter of healthcare, but a fundamental human right, one that must be protected and expanded.
Interesting Facts about Julie Burkhart
- Inspiration from Dr. Tiller: Julie was personally mentored by Dr. George Tiller, a renowned abortion provider who was tragically murdered in 2009. His dedication to providing safe, legal abortion services despite threats deeply impacted Burkhart’s decision to carry on his mission.
- A Legacy of Determination: Her determination is exemplified by the opening of Wellspring Health Access in Wyoming, which faced significant opposition, including an arson attack. This event highlighted her resilience and her deep commitment to providing vital healthcare services to underserved communities.
- A Mother and Advocate: As a mother, Julie is motivated by the desire to secure a safe and just world for her children. She believes that reproductive rights are not only essential for women but also crucial for the future of the next generation. Her children often inspire her advocacy work, particularly in ensuring a world where women have the freedom to make their own reproductive choices.
- A Major Advocate for Rural Healthcare Access: Julie’s work is particularly focused on ensuring that women in rural areas, where healthcare services are often limited, have access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion services. This focus stems from her personal experiences growing up in rural Kansas, where women faced significant barriers to obtaining such care.
- Volunteer Work and Speaking Engagements: Beyond her clinical and activist work, Julie is also a frequent volunteer and speaker at various reproductive rights organizations and events. She uses her platform to educate the public about the importance of reproductive justice, legal protections for abortion, and the broader issue of women’s rights.
- Public Policy Influence: Julie is an active figure in public policy discussions related to reproductive rights, often advocating for legislation that expands access to healthcare and ensures that women’s rights are protected. Her work has influenced key legislative and legal battles regarding abortion laws in several states.
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