(Dr. Nathanson was one of the founding members of the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws, now known as NARAL Pro-Choice America.)

In 1970, Dr. Bernard Nathanson, the son of a distinguished medical doctor, began running the Center for Reproductive and Sexual Health in New York City. In addition to performing and giving supervision to thousands of abortions, he became a zealous crusader and campaigner for the legalization of abortion. He and his colleagues argued before voters, lawmakers, and judges that laws against abortion were worse than futile and thus should be opposed. He confessed later that they lied, boldly and relentlessly, about the number of women who died each year from illegal abortions—claiming the number was more than ten times higher than it actually was. In 1973, he left the Center to become chief of obstetrical services at St. Luke’s Hospital Center, but he continued doing abortions. While there, however, he discovered the latest in fetal technology—the ultrasound machine. It opened the window for him on fetal development. His personal struggle began. Continue reading →