Mary Ann Sorrentino received a BA in psychology from Elmira College (New York). She became executive director of Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island in 1977. In 1986 she became the first person in the United States to be publicly excommunicated for being pro-choice. Articles about the controversy surrounding her excommunication appeared nationwide. At the same time debate escalated over a proposed amendment to the Rhode Island Constitution (Proposition 14) that would outlaw abortion and some forms of birth control. In November 1986 the amendment failed. Sorrentino resigned from Planned Parenthood in 1987 and began a public and media relations consulting firm.
From the description of Papers regarding her excommunication, 1974-1989. (Brown University). WorldCat record id: 122544533
