https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/files/4713/3712/7361/ClergyVoices_07.pdf

The Newsletter of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America Clergy Advisory Board

When New York State legalized abortion in April 1970,the clergy realized that the city hospitals were in a state of denial and were not preparing for the hundreds of thousands of women who would be coming to the state beginning July 1, 1970,when the law took effect.So the clergy opened the first legal abortion clinic in America (another important historical fact that most people don’t know).It was called Women’s Services,and was located on the upper east side of Manhattan. This clinic performed thousands of abortions, charged only $200 compared to the standard $600,and continued its work until other clinics could replace it.The service went out of existence with the Roe v.Wade decision. May 22,2007, marked the 40th anniversary of the Clergy Consultation Service,yet many are surprised to know that reproductive justice for women has been the sacred work of clergy for decades.F