Dr. Sharon Lee Camp

Dr. Sharon Camp, a pioneering advocate for women’s reproductive rights and the visionary behind the creation and introduction of Plan B emergency contraception, passed away peacefully on October 25th. She was 81. Throughout her remarkable life, Dr. Camp dedicated herself to advancing women’s health, equality, and empowerment on a global scale. As the founder and former CEO of The Women’s Capital Corporation, she led the development and launch of Plan B, ensuring that women everywhere could access safe, effective emergency contraception. Her leadership, determination, and belief in women’s autonomy transformed the landscape of reproductive healthcare. Before her groundbreaking work with Plan B, Dr. Camp served as President and CEO of Population Action International (PAI), where she spent over two decades promoting access to family planning and reproductive health services worldwide. She also later led The Guttmacher Institute, continuing her lifelong mission to ground public policy in science and compassion. Dr. Camp earned her Ph.D. in international relations from Johns Hopkins University, before beginning her career in advocacy and global development. Her intellect, courage, and moral clarity inspired generations of women’s health advocates, researchers, and policymakers. Beyond her public achievements, Sharon was beloved by family and friends for her warmth, generosity, and sharp wit. Known affectionately as “Aunt Sharon,” she embraced her nieces and nephews as her own, showering them with love, encouragement, and a touch of her trademark sophistication. She will be remembered not only for her trailblazing professional legacy but for the laughter, grace, and strength she brought to every relationship. Dr. Camp is survived by sister Cindy Lou Hampton (married to Wade Burton Hampton), niece Jamie Lynn Hampton (married to Jeff Gilbert), nephew Wade Burton Hampton II (married to Shelby Watson Hampton) their son Benjamin Wade Hampton, nephew Parker Talcott Hampton (engaged to Maeghan Heyen) their daughter Brynleigh Lou Hampton and countless colleagues and friends around the world who continue to be guided by her example. She is proceeded in death by her parents June Marie Camp (Stout) and Albert Talcott Camp, younger sister Nancy Ganskow. Visitation will be held on December 6th at Raymond’s Funeral Home in La Plata, Maryland from 10-12, with the memorial service from 12:00-1:00pm. Immediately following the services, a celebration of life and legacy will be held in the banquet room of the Holiday Inn in La Plata MD from 1:00-5:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to Charles County Humane Society or Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Her life’s work was rooted in one simple but profound belief that women should have the freedom to make choices about their own bodies and futures. Dr. Sharon Camp’s courage and compassion changed millions of lives and will continue to do so for generations to come.

Dr. Sharon Lee Camp

November 7, 1943 - October 25, 2025