73 and remainedmobilized in order to continue to influence politics and prevent the destruction of the Roev. Wade decision. The cycle of protest that occurred in the sixties and seventies was themost significant source of political opportunity for the pro-choice movement. The abilityto motivate constituents from other ‘fights’ into the pro-choice movement was key to it’searly success. After the initial Roe v. Wade decision the political opportunities changedand more organized constituents were to become involved. Formalization of themovement occurred and the structure of the movement changed. Resources from theestablished organizations provided an opportunity to lobby the legislature and created atrend of mainly reactive, institutionalized actions. The framing argument that took place all throughout the history of the pro-choicemovement has also been important. In the beginning the frame was about safety andkeeping women out of illegal abortion clinics where their life would be in danger. As thecountermovement emerged and began to win some victories the framing changed. Pro-choice activists fought to keep attention on the woman and off of the fetus. Theyfought to make it an issue of individual rights versus government rights. As the movementchanged and the tactics changed, so did these framing arguments.The history of the Pro-choice movement as a social movement is unique to itself. The movement has not behaved in a traditional sense in that it did not have its origins inthe traditional sources. The movement did not fall away after achieving its victories. Infact it was at its strongest when in a defensive, not offensive, stance. The fight continuestoday between the pro-choice and anti-abortion movements. It will probably continuewell into this century and beyond.ReferencesSolinger, Ricke (ed). Abortion Wars: A Half Century of Struggle, 1950-2000. Universityof California Press. Berkeley. 1998.Staggenb...
