The Women's National Abortion Action Coalition & the Abortion Tribunals, 1971–1972

Abstract

The Women's National Abortion Action Coalition organized for abortion rights, an end to forced sterilization, and accessible birth control. From its formation in July 1971 to its demise with the January 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, it was an inclusive, far-reaching network that spearheaded the call for reproductive justice. Assembling a coalition, including high school and college students and those who called themselves Third World women (Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American women), the group held marches, protests, and in the fall of 1972 abortion tribunals across the country, holding men in power accountable for the oppression of women.