A Brief History of the National Movement to End Abortion

Abstract

This chapter is a group biography of sorts, noting the origins and orientations of the most significant organization and leaders that opposed abortion in the 1970s and 1980s. It charts the complex web of groups that emerged after the Supreme Court legalized abortion, and summarizes some of their divergent views on ideology, politics, religion, and activism. It then locates the anti-abortion movement in the broader national political context, charting the evolution of abortion politics for Republicans and Democrats. It explores the relationship between Ronald Reagan and opponents of abortion before and after the 1980 election, outlining his strong pro-life rhetoric and the elevation of the movement as a national political force. The chapter concludes by outlining the tension that surrounded much of Reagan’s anti-abortion symbolism, as the movement confronted the gap between words and deeds.