Guide to the Washington Citizens for Abortion Reform Records
1963-1970

Historical Note

At the invitation of Samuel Goldenberg, a dozen persons -- including physicians, Catholic and Protestant clergymen, an attorney, a social worker, and a housewife -- met in early 1967 to discuss the problem of illegal abortions in Washington State. Goldenberg, a Seattle-area clinical psychologist, was troubled by the situation of two patients facing unwanted pregnancies who were denied legal abortions. Washington law allowed "therapeutic" abortions only after a committee of physicians determined that one was necessary to save the life of the mother. Goldenberg's group, which expanded beyond its initial dozen members and adopted the name Citizens' Abortion Discussion Group, explored the possibilities for reforming Washington's abortion law. It continued its study of the issue for two years and drafted a proposed amendment to the state's abortion statute. The group's bill was introduced by Democratic representative William Chatalas and Republican senator Joel Pritchard during the 1969 legislative session. Despite the endorsement of the Washington State Medical Association and the recommendation of the Attorney General's Citizens' Committee on Crime that abortion laws be liberalized, the legislation died in both houses.

Following its legislative defeat, the group incorporated as Washington Citizens for Abortion Reform (WCAR) with Goldenberg as its president and explored a possible court challenge to the abortion statute. During a special legislative session in 1970, Pritchard introduced another WCAR-supported bill. An amended version, which permitted abortions performed by a licensed physician within the first four months of pregnancy with the consent of the woman's husband, if married and living together, or legal guardian, if under the age of 18, was approved and sent to the voters as Referendum 20. WCAR established branches across the state and campaigned vigorously for its passage. The measure was approved by voters in November 1970, making Washington the first state in which abortion was legalized by popular vote.

Scope and Content

The Washington Citizens for Abortion Reform Records document the efforts of the organization to liberalize the state's abortion laws. The records primarily cover the 1970 campaign to win passage of Referendum 20 but also include materials on the organization's earlier legislative efforts. WCAR's development of a statewide campaign network is documented in the correspondence files. The Incoming Letters and General Correspondence files are arranged largely alphabetically, while the Outgoing Letters and Interoffice Correspondence files are largely chronological in order. Much of the correspondence deals with logistical and administrative matters. There are several letters regarding the visit of Vincent H. Yano, a Roman Catholic legislator from Hawaii who supported liberalization of abortion laws. WCAR's strategic planning is outlined in the Minutes. The Speakers' Packet and News Releases present WCAR's arguments to the voters. The Clippings date primarily from the fall of 1970.

Several Subject Series also include significant amounts of correspondence. The Case Histories subject file contains letters from physicians and individual women concerning their personal experiences with illegal abortion. The Playboy Forum subject file includes letters received in response to an open letter on abortion reform in Playboy magazine by WCAR's Publicity Chairman, Rev. Peter S. Raible.

Restrictions on Use

Literary rights were not transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Restrictions on Access

The collection is open to all users.

Acquisition Info

Donated by the Washington State Council of Churches on January 1, 1972.

Inventory