Spotlight on Naral
NARAL Pro-Choice America, founded in 1969 and commonly referred to as NARAL (pronounced Nair-el), is the oldest organization in the United States that is focused on protecting abortion access. It was formerly referred to as the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws, which was the first national conference on abortion laws. The 1969 conference was supported by 21 organizations and had approximately 350 attendees. The conference was broken into two parts: those for the “repeal” of abortion laws and those favoring “reform”. The conference included some prominent leaders who led the repeal position, such as Betty Freidan, author of The Feminine Mystique and first president of the National Organization for Women. The meeting led to a conclusion to adopt the “more radical repeal” position. The completion of this meeting led to the foundation of NARAL.
NARAL’s work today aims to protect and expand reproductive freedom and abortion access. The organization also works to educate people on the importance of bodily autonomy and the right to choose. NARAL works within communities to build a supporter base and group of activists to make sure that people from all fifty states are being properly represented in the government; their membership has grown to upwards of 4 million members. According to their mission statement, another goal includes destigmatizing abortions and the shame that comes with them to make sure that no woman feels hampered from accessing the care they need. NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC endorses pro-choice campaigns and political races across the country to make sure that we have representatives who will fight for reproductive rights.
You can become involved with NARAL’s work in several ways. NARAL accepts donations directly at this link. To become a member or volunteer for NARAL, sign up on their website at this link.
Sources
https://www.britannica.com/topic/NARAL-Pro-Choice-America
