anization for Women (NOW) endorsed abortion appeal,although narrowly, at the second national convention in 1967. NOW participation in theabortion movement was minimal in the early years, but was there nonetheless. NOW wasloosely organized in the beginning and was unable to promote grass-roots participation onthe issue. The organization did form a national committee to deal with abortion butlacked an ample supply of resources. Other women’s groups were also emerging at thistime. The ones that had memberships almost solely comprised of younger women,especially those in college, had the most to offer the abortion movement. Many of theseyoung women became key players in the mobilization in these early years.Not only did the emerging abortion reform movement have the advantage of thepreexisting organizational bases and concerned constituents, this emerging movement hada tactic. This tactic was abortion referral and it aided the movement in getting publicity,mobilizing activists, and helped to build a constituent base. Many women who hadundergone illegal abortions stepped forward to help other women.Also, religious groups stepped in to aid the early reform movement. The nationalJewish and Protestant religious denominations did not become heavily involved in themovement but a number of these religious institutions did step forward to support reformof the abortion laws.Prior to 1973’s Roe v. Wade decision, the abortion movement’s principal sourceof political opportunity was the expanded social movement sector. Activists who foughtfor civil rights, women’s rights, and the like were also joining this emerging movement. Immediately felt grievances also aided the movement’s mobilization due to the volunteerswho had strong feelings about abortion rights. The movement was off the ground.1973 was the year of the Supreme Court decision that made sweeping changes inthe abortion laws. Few abortion law repeal supp...
