ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author begins by pointing out that the politics of abortion have not been as dramatic in New York as they have been in other states. New York has played a central role in the history of abortion in the United States. New York's early and expansive liberalization of its law on abortion in 1970 earned it the title, "abortion capital of the nation." New York has been and continues to be a solidly pro-choice state. In 1970, three years before Roe v. Wade, New York's legislature left the decision on abortion to a woman and her doctor during the first twenty-four weeks of pregnancy. The Catholic Church has been deeply involved in antiabortion politics in New York from the beginning. As governor of New York he has consistently supported public funding of abortions for poor women in his state.
